STARGATE SG1
Episode 708
"SPACE RACE"
By
Damian Kindler
SGC We see the elevator doors on level 28 open and Sam steps
out. She leather pants, a t- shirt and leather jacket and is
carrying a motorcycle helmet. She trots through the corridor
and up the stairs into the briefing room.
CARTER
Sorry, I haven't changed, sir. The message
said it was urgent.
She stops when she sees the alien visitor in the room. Daniel
and General Hammond are also there.
WARRICK
Hello, again, Major Carter.
CARTER
Warrick...
WARRICK
It's good to see you again.
CARTER
You too. What...what brings you here?
WARRICK
When last we spoke, you strongly reiterated
your desire to gain access to Serakkin
technology.
CARTER
Yes, of course.
WARRICK
Unfortunately, diplomacy between our
respective leadership has been slow
to develop.
CARTER
I'm sure they're just being cautious.
WARRICK
As I was telling General Hammond and
Dr. Jackson, I am here to offer you
full access to the ion propulsion engines
on the Seberus.
CARTER
Well...that's great. Sir, this could...
HAMMOND
(cutting her off) I've read your report,
Major. I won't debate the value of the
technology. But there's more...
WARRICK
In return, I would like your help...to
win a race.
Sam smiles.
OPENING CREDITS
SGC - Briefing Room The four are now sitting around the conference
table.
WARRICK
It is called the Loop of Kon Garat.
Every year the largest corporation on
my planet, known as Tech Con Group,
awards an extremely lucrative contract
to the winner of the loop.
JACKSON
A contract?
WARRICK
It is a time-tested method to find the
most qualified pilot with the best ship
for the job. The race is open to anyone.
There are few rules. The winner's ship
must arrive first and intact.
JACKSON
Let me just get this straight. The government
of your planet is allowing you to share
advanced technology with us in exchange
for us helping you to win a race?
WARRICK
Not exactly. I have arranged for a small
group of you to come to Hebridan on
a diplomatic visit. There is no rule
preventing you from helping me in the
race...and what you learn while you're
there...
JACKSON
So...unofficially.
CARTER
(smiling) How can we help?
HAMMOND
Major.
CARTER
Can't hurt to ask, can it, sir?
WARRICK
The power system you used to recharge
the Seberus when I was stranded...
CARTER
A naquadah generator...
WARRICK
As you know, the Seberus has been through
quite a lot. However, my diagnostic
analysis of its systems showed greatly
improved efficiency when supplemented
by the naquadah generator.
CARTER
I'd like to participate.
Daniel and Hammond look a bit disturbed. Warrick is stunned.
WARRICK
Well, actually, I was not asking you
to join me.
CARTER
Well, why not? I'll have to interface
the generator.
WARRICK
Could you not just show me?
CARTER
Well, naquadah generators are very valuable
to us. We're not about to let one out
of our sight. Besides, you never know
what issues could arise on the fly.
WARRICK
Major, I feel compelled to warn you
of the danger. The Loop is not for the
faint-hearted.
CARTER
Well, we take risks to obtain advanced
technology all the time. For me, there
would be no better way to learn about
your ship than to see it in action.
WARRICK
A victory would mean a great deal to
me. I am not above accepting your offer.
Sam smiles and then realizes she should be checking with Hammond.
CARTER
With your approval...sir.
HAMMOND
(exhales sharply) Major, I expect you
to evaluate the risk of this mission
on an ongoing basis and act accordingly.
CARTER
(smiling and nodding) As always, sir.
Later, in Sam's lab, Daniel stops by for a talk. Sam is packing
equipment.
CARTER
Hey...
JACKSON
Hey, you ready?
CARTER
Yeah, just about.
JACKSON
Warrick has set us up some meetings
with the highest-ranking members of
the Hebridian government and business
community.
CARTER
Bet Colonel O'Neill's really looking
forward to that.
JACKSON
Oh, yeah. You really think this is worth
it?
CARTER
Absolutely. Why, don't you?
JACKSON
No - yeah, I just...you just seem unusually...gung-ho.
CARTER
(mockingly - smiling) Gung-ho?
JACKSON
This is kinda more than about attaining
new technology for you, isn't it?
CARTER
You mean helping Warrick? He did once
risk his life for me.
JACKSON
Yeah, I heard that. I just think that
there's something else.
CARTER
Look, I know that this could be dangerous.
But this is our job, right? It's what
we signed on to do. We take risks in
the hopes of achieving new levels of
technology. If...and I stress if, participating
in this race happens to be a little
bit...I don't know...
JACKSON
Fun?
CARTER
(grinning madly) What's a girl to do?
JACKSON
Nothin'. That's...that's just what I
thought.
Sam returns to her packing and in a flash we see a intergalactic
news broadcast. The broadcast looks very similar to one we would
see on Earth. A reporter seated behind a desk or table. Scrolling
text in a foreign script across the bottom of the screen.
HADRAIG
I'm Ardal Hadraig and welcome back to
TCNN's exclusive coverage of the 59th
Loop of Kon Garat. Now, with the loop
set to begin tomorrow morning, we have
a startling new development to report.
Perennial also-ran, Warrick Finn...
(we see a picture of Warrick on the
screen beside the reporter) ...announced
today that his co- pilot will be a human
from the planet we've come to know as
Earth. Major Samantha Carter's participation...
(we see a picture of Sam on the screen
in place of Warrick) ...will mark the
first inclusion of an alien in Loop
history. (The screen cuts to a picture
of the five-man SG-1: Jonas, Sam, Teal'c,
Jack and Daniel.) A band of explorers
happened upon him when his ship, the
Seberus, crashed on an uncharted planet
while transporting convicts to the outlying
prison colonies. Now, the question on
everyone's mind is will these Earthling
bring Warrick luck a second time around?
(Now we see the broadcast from a harbor
area. The holographic screen image is
suspended high over the water and tall,
unusual shaped buildings can be seen
behind it. There are small ships flying
to and fro.) Continuing coverage of
the Loop of Kon Garat is brought to
you by Tech Con Ultra Sport Beverage.
When you've got an ultra big thirst
to quench, only Tech Con Ultra Sport
will do.
The scene changes to a hangar. Several beings come off the Seberus
via a ramp on the under side. Warrick is leading the four-man
SG-1 to meet some of those beings.
WARRICK
May I introduce you all to Eamon? He
is responsible for making the Seberus
what it is today. And he is my younger
brother.
O'NEILL
Ah, yes...I see the family resemblance.
It's uncanny, boys. It's like... (Jack
stops...not sure he should finish that
thought. He sniffs and then begins introductions.)
Colonel Jack O'Neill...this is...
EAMON
(cutting him off) You just had to do
it, didn't you? There was no stopping
you.
WARRICK
Eamon...
EAMON
(irritated) You really think the Seberus
is incapable of winning this race without
their help?
WARRICK
Eamon! They saved me from certain death...and
are responsible for my getting back
home to Hebridan. I suggest you show
some respect.
EAMON
My apologies. I am honored to meet my
brother's saviors. And you must be Major
Carter. The one without whom we could
not win the Loop.
O'NEILL
You know, I feel all warm and fuzzy...
(turning to Daniel) How 'bout you?
WARRICK
Major Carter...if you are to be my co-pilot,
you will need to know how the ship works.
He hands her a large book.
CARTER
What is this?
WARRICK
A complete operations manual for the
Seberus. I had it translated for you.
Jack and Daniel come to look over her shoulder.
CARTER
Thank you.
O'NEILL
That's not our language.
CARTER
It's mine...sir.
O'NEILL
Right. He pats Sam's shoulder as Daniel
walks to take a look at something else.
Eamon has come to join them.
EAMON
Warrick, the long-range scanning control
unit didn't come in again today. When
I called, they said our credit...
WARRICK
(cutting him off) I will go myself and
pick one up...after I get back from
escorting Colonel O'Neill, Dr. Jackson
and Teal'c to the Hebridan capital building.
O'NEILL
T...you comin'?
TEAL'C
Major Carter has requested that I remain
so that I may assist her.
Both Sam and Jack look surprised. Teal'c smiles. Then simultaneously,
they respond.
O'NEILL
She did?
CARTER
I did?
TEAL'C
Indeed.
CARTER
Right...yes, thank you. Sam smiles.
TEAL'C
I do not wish to disappoint Major Carter.
O'NEILL
Yes...I know the feeling.
WARRICK
Shall we?
O'NEILL
(reluctantly) Stay in touch.
Teal'c walks to stand directly in front of Sam, smiling and looking
after the retreating forms of Daniel, Jack and Warrick.
TEAL'C
(quietly) I am in your debt, Major Carter.
CARTER
Indeed. She grins again and turns her
attention back to the manual.
Teal'c bows to her.
Later, on the Seberus, we see Sam taking the naquadah generator
out of its case.
CARTER
(to Eamon who has just entered this
compartment of the Seberus) With all
your science and engineering, I'm a
little surprised you don't have a power
source that rivals this.
EAMON
Oh, they exist. We just couldn't afford
one.
CARTER
Ah...
EAMON
Warrick is desperate, Major.
CARTER
How do you mean?
EAMON
He was gone a long time. We all thought
he was dead. His wife, Athea...remarried
and had children of her own now. Since
his return, work has been scarce. He
thinks this race is his chance to get
his life back, Major. And he will do
anything to win it.
CARTER
(nodding her understanding) What about
you?
EAMON
Me? Well, I work for Tech Con. I design
garbage disposal units for the food
service division. Need I say more?
CARTER
No.
WARRICK
(over the intercom) Eamon, I'm back.
EAMON
(into the intercom) Did you get the...
WARRICK
(cutting him off) Not yet. They just
transmitted the race data.
Sam stands to let Eamon pass by her and then follows him out
of the ship.
We see Teal'c, Sam, Eamon and Warrick standing near a monitor
as a transmission is about to being.
ANNOUNCER
Tech Con Group - Progress and people,
working in total harmony. The screen
changes from a black background with
spinning logo to a picture of a male
talking head.
HAGAN
I'm Miles Hagan, president of the Tech
Con Group. I wish to welcome you as
an official contestant to the Loop of
Kon Garat. Congratulations on qualifying.
(The screen now shows a map of the course.)
As always, the Loop will run through
a course that consists of four distinct
stages: defense... (Hagan continues
to talk in the background, but Eamon
speaks over him.) ...navigation, maneuverability
and speed.
EAMON
We know the course. Skip to the skip
to the competition.
Warrick fast-forwards the transmission.
HAGAN
Let's meet your fellow pilots, shall
we?
The screen now displays eight heads.
EAMON
(not happy) I don't believe it...Jarlath.
TEAL'C
Jarlath?
WARRICK
(touches the screen and pulls up a close
up of Jarlath) I know him from my days
of transporting convicts. He was caught
running illegal weapons to the outer
mining colonies. I thought he was in
prison.
CARTER
Looks like he's been paroled.
WARRICK
He's not our biggest problem. (He touches
the screen and pulls up a different
pilot.) La'el Montrose, independent
cargo runner from the parallel colonies.
Her ship is very fast. And, worse still...
(He pulls up another pilot on the screen.)
EAMON
Hmph...Muirios.
WARRICK
His skill as a pilot is legendary.
CARTER
Can we beat him?
EAMON
You'll get clobbered in the navigation
phase, without a long range scanner
control unit.
WARRICK
I will get one.
Sam and Teal'c look at each other. Then we see a shot of the
harbor again. Next we see Sam looking around some equipment.
Warrick is there too.
CARTER
What's this?
WARRICK
Expensive.
They are interrupted when someone come into the area.
TAUPEN
Hello Warrick. Who's your friend?
CARTER
Hi. Major Samantha Carter.
TAUPEN
Ah. One of the Earthlings. I heard about
you.
WARRICK
We are here to pick up the scanner control
unit I ordered.
TAUPEN
Look, Warrick...
WARRICK
Taupen...
TAUPEN
I'm running a business here, not a charity.
Your credit's been over the maximum
for months.
WARRICK
The best chance of my paying you back
is for me to win the Loop.
TAUPEN
I'm sorry, Warrick. I can't give you
a new one. But you're in luck...I just
picked up this re-conditioned unit this
morning. It should work fine.
WARRICK
I will take it. Thank you. I promise,
I will settle up things after...
JARLATH
(cutting him off) After you lose. You
don't think he's good for it, do you?
He doesn't stand a chance of winning
the Loop.
WARRICK
Jarlath...still avoiding personal hygiene,
I see.
JARLATH
Who'd your friend, Warrick? She looks
nice. (Sam rolls her eyes.) Golon Jarlath,
Captain of the Oran. Very much at your
service...
WARRICK
Ignore him, Major.
Warrick walks between Jarlath and Sam on his way out. Sam follows
him.
JARLATH
Stay out of my way, Warrick, or I'll
blow your pathetic ship to pieces.
Warrick turns suddenly, and Sam puts a hand up to restrain him.
CARTER
Warrick...
WARRICK
You're right. He is not worth it.
Back at the hangar, Eamon and Teal'c are working on something.
EAMON
That's it. We're done. She's ready.
Eamon begins walking. Teal'c follows.
TEAL'C
Do you believe the Seberus is capable
of winning this race?
EAMON
I'd like to think we'd have won without
the naquadah reactor. With it, I'd pretty
much guarantee it. Hungry?
TEAL'C
That depends...
EAMON
I'm sure we can find something that
will suit you.
As they exit the hangar, we see man in a blue suit come out of
hiding. Carrying an object, he approaches the Seberus and the
screen fades out.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Hebridan Space The race is ready to begin. The newscast is back.
HADRAIG
And with the Loop set to being only
minutes from now, I'm joined by race
expert and two-time champion, Coyle
Boron. Coyle, what's going through the
pilot's minds right now?
BORON
Well, Ardal, by the time you're at the
starting bouys, there's nothing else
to do but run your pre-flight check
and hope all your hardware pays off.
It's, uh, it's a tense time.
HADRAIG
Well, there's no question the stakes
are high. This year's winner receives
a lucrative contract with Tech Con's
deep space exploration project. While
anything else means massive debt and
the acrid taste of bitter defeat. It's
an interesting group of pilots this
year, Coyle. Who do you like?
BORON
Well, I think you've gotta like this
kid, Muirios. (A picture of Muirios
appears on the screen between the two
anchors.) He's got the talent, the ship
and the experience to take it all.
HADRAIG
Now, what about Warrick and the Human
woman? Any potential for an upset there?
BORON
They don't stand a chance.
They chuckle.
HADRAIG
Well, the gaming experts agree. You
can wager on the outcome of the Loop
of Kon Garat at any of Tech Con Group's
friendly gaming kiosks, conveniently
located throughout urban centers near
you. Tech Con Gaming Kiosks - If you
don't play, you definitely won't win.
Hebridan Space Sam and Warrick are on the Seberus, awaiting the
start of the race.
CARTER
I'm getting the feeling that even a
nice long look at an ion drive isn't
enough. We're actually going to need
one of these compression coils if we're
going to have any chance at reproducing
this technology.
WARRICK
If we win, I'll buy you one.
CARTER
If we win?
FLIGHT CONTROL
(over intercom) Prepare for race start.
All pilots check in now.
WARRICK
(into the intercom) Flight control...this
is the Seberus. Preparing for race start.
Suddenly, Jarlath's face appears on the communication console.
WARRICK
What do you want, Jarlath?
JARLATH
Just to tell you to drop out now and
save that worthless junk barge you call
a ship from being destroyed. Jarlath
chuckles.
WARRICK
Eat greeven, Jarlath.
JARLATH
You piece of...
Warrick punches a button and cuts him off mid-sentence.
CARTER
Greeven?
WARRICK
Don't ask.
FLIGHT CONTROL
(over intercom) This is Tech Con Flight
Control...stand by for race start.
WARRICK
Ready or not...here...we...go...
The energy barrier between the buoys is turned off and the ships
take off on the race course. Back in the hangar, Eamon and Teal'c
are monitoring the Seberus progress on computer screens.
EAMON
The first stage is a test of each ship's
defense capabilities.
TEAL'C
Against what?
Out in space, we see ships go through a minefield and watch as
several mines lock onto passing ships and begin pursuit. On the
Seberus, the ride is getting bumpy.
CARTER
Those things are firing at us.
WARRICK
Yes.
More shots are fired by the mines and by the Seberus. Several
mines are destroyed, but the mines are rocking the Seberus too.
WARRICK
Bring aft shields to full. (Sam presses
a button and looks at him.) That is
auxiliary power.
CARTER
Right. She pressed that button again
and the presses another.
WARRICK
Shields are holding.
SHIBO
(over the intercom) This is Captain
Shibo of the Tritan. Losing shield power.
Key systems are failing.
WARRICK
Tritan...this is Warrick on the Seberus.
Syphon primary power from your regulator
and boost your shield strength.
SHIBO
I can't. I've lost my interchange unit.
I...
WARRICK
Tritan...hold on. We're on our way to
assist.
SHIBO
Too late. My engines are fried. I'm
out, Warrick. Thanks, anyway.
CARTER
Is he going to be okay?
WARRICK
The drones cease firing when a ship
has become disabled. (We see the Seberus
fly past the drones and toward a sun.)
That's it. We're clear.
CARTER
Anyone ever die in this race?
WARRICK
I told you it was dangerous.
CARTER
I know.
WARRICK
Are there no events such as this on
Earth? Where Humans risk their lives?
CARTER
Yeah, a few.
WARRICK
Believe me, Major Carter, no matter
how much winning may mean to me, I would
never intentionally endanger your life...this
ship...
Suddenly alarms go off and the ship bucks.
CARTER
What now? I thought we were clear?
WARRICK
Stage two. We're entering the coronasphere
of our sun. It causes intermittent disturbances
with the communication and navigation
equipment. Eamon has designed shielding
specifically for this phase.
HADRAIG
And so, after stage one, Muirios has
the lead, followed closely by La'el
Montrose and Golon Jarlath.
BORON
The Oran made quick work of those attack
drones, let me tell ya.
HADRAIG
And we've got stage two coming up fast.
BORON
That would be the coronasphere, Ardal.
Because it's made up of ionized gases,
you're basically flying through a thick
layer of translucent plasma.
HADRAIG
Wow...sounds hot.
BORON
Well, you can say that again. At this
stage of the race, it's all about the
shields. Does your ship have what it
takes to survive that kind of super
intense heat?
HADRAIG
And if it doesn't?
BORON
You'd be instantly vaporized.
HADRAIG
Interesting...in a horrifying sense.
If you have a loved one who's close
to death... (A logo appears on the screen
next to Ardal as the camera focuses
on him alone.) Don't delay. Contact
Tech Con Group Funeral Services today
and make your loved one's farewell memorable
beyond words. Tech Con Group Funeral
Services: Helping you make peace with
death.
Back in the sun's coronasphere...
WARRICK
Initiating coronaspheric shielding.
CARTER
Communications systems are...inoperative.
WARRICK
They will come back.
We see a chamber on the ship. Suddenly sparks fly out of the
chamber. Alarms begin blaring again. The ship is rocked.
CARTER
What's going on?
WARRICK
I do not know. We are losing engine
power.
Sam, feeling a little panicked tries the comms anyway.
CARTER
Teal'c, Eamon...we are sending a distress
signal. Our key systems are inoperative.
Teal'c hears the communication and sees Sam's face on one of
the screens. He is immediately concerned and takes a seat in
front of the screen.
CARTER
Engines are failing...
TEAL'C
How does one respond?
Eamon leaves his console to join Teal'c. He punches a button
near the top of the screen.
EAMON
Here...
TEAL'C
Major Carter, come in.
CARTER
We can no longer maintain engine...
static is heard.
Teal'c looks at Eamon.
EAMON
They've lost all primary power. They're
in trouble.
Teal'c looks back at the screen. He can see Sam, but he can't
hear her.
Back on the Seberus...
WARRICK
Auxiliary power will not engage. We
are on emergency storage cells.
Suddenly, the front windows go dark.
CARTER
What are you doing?
WARRICK
The blast shields will help to block
the radiation. So much for not risking
your life.
They unbuckle and climb out of their seats as the scene fades
out.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Seberus Sam and Warrick are looking at the console where the
sparks flew earlier.
CARTER
What happened?
WARRICK
The power diverter overloaded. This
shouldn't have happened.
CARTER
Can you fix it?
WARRICK
No.
TEAL'C
(over the comms) Major Carter, Captain
Warrick...do you read me?
WARRICK
We're here. Can you hear us?
TEAL'C
Are you all right?
WARRICK
The power diverter overloaded.
EAMON
Impossible. I ran a full diagnostic
three hours before the race.
WARRICK
Unless...
EAMON
Unless what?
WARRICK
It's hard to tell with all the damage,
but if someone cut the connection to
the regulation system...
CARTER
W-w-wait...somebody did this on purpose?
EAMON
They would need detailed knowledge of
the ship's systems.
WARRICK
I think they knew exactly where to hit
us. And how to cover their tracks. Eamon,
what can we do? We're being pulled towards
the sun.
EAMON
I know. (He looks at a schematic on
his screen.) Bypass the diverter and
manually regulate power to the engines
with the accelerator.
WARRICK
(to Sam) It's dangerous.
CARTER
More dangerous than flying into a sun?
WARRICK
(rising and removing a panel on the
ship) We have to reconnect the naquadah
generator over here, in order to bypass
the diverter and supply power directly
to the engines.
CARTER
(going to stand next to him) How much
time do we have?
WARRICK
Not much.
Sam looks into the panel and with another flash, a newscast begins.
HADRAIG
And so, out of the 10 ships that started
the Loop, only six remain, and that
number may soon dwindle to five. For
those of you just joining us, all I
can say is...where have you been hiding?
(They two anchors chuckle.) Now, Warrick
Finn and his alien co-pilot have slipped
back into last place. Looks like they
ran into a little trouble during stage
two.
BORON
That's right, Ardal. Latest telemetry
updates place them dangerously close
to the sun.
HADRAIG
Now, Warrick must be disappointed to
be facing certain defeat and death,
so early in the race.
BORON
You've got that right, Ardal. This is
the moment where every pilot has to
dig deep in that reservoir of desire
and fortitude if they want to win. It's
all about how badly you want it.
HADRAIG
Well, it sounds like maybe they could
use a couple of bottles of Radon Shield
55 - new from Tech Con Cosmetics. Radon
Shield 55 protects you and your whole
family, from the intense radiation of
the sun. Day in, day out, Radon Shield
55 keeps your fun factor up and your
lesion count down. Available at quality
Tech Con Family Outlets everywhere.
Back in the hangar, Eamon and Teal'c are monitoring the situation
on the Seberus. Eamon is working at a computer.
EAMON
Someone must have snuck in here. Got
into the ship.
TEAL'C
Who would know the ship well enough?
EAMON
No one. The Seberus is a common model,
but I've customized it significantly.
Unless someone accessed the schematics
on my computer at Tech Con.
On the Seberus, Warrick is working on the diverter. Sam is working
on the naquadah generator.
WARRICK
I'm done.
We hear the engines power up. Then Sam does something that causes
the area she is working in to light up.
CARTER
Me too.
They both go back to the bridge.
WARRICK
Let's hope this works.
CARTER
If it doesn't?
WARRICK
We fall into the sun and burn up...or
worse.
CARTER
Worse?
WARRICK
We could explode, right now.
CARTER
Oh.
WARRICK
Here goes...
The bridge lights up. Sam smiles.
WARRICK
Let's get out of here.
CARTER
(over comms) Teal'c, we got the power
back online.
TEAL'C
That is good to hear, Major Carter.
EAMON
I can't believe it.
TEAL'C
What is it?
EAMON
Someone did access my computer.
TEAL'C
Who?
EAMON
His name is Del Tynan. He's my supervisor.
I can't tell exactly what he got. If
we're going to prove anything, we need
to go to Tech Con. (He turns to Teal'c.)
They won't let you in without clearance.
You'll need a hat.
Eamon gets up and Teal'c follows him. Meanwhile, back on the
Seberus...
CARTER
Three more ships have pulled out of
the race and we've fallen pretty far
behind the others.
WARRICK
If you wish, we can drop out now and
avoid any further risk.
Just then, the communication console activates. Jack is contacting
Sam. Daniel can be seen in the background behind Jack.
O'NEILL
(over comms) Carter? You there?
CARTER
Colonel, sir.
O'NEILL
(turns to look at Daniel) I got it to
work. (turns back to the screen) How's
it going up there?
CARTER
We ran into a little trouble, but we're
fine now.
O'NEILL
Sure?
CARTER
Yeah. How's it going down there?
JACKSON
Uh...good. We, uhm, we're going to help
them bring a Stargate here and in exchange,
we get an ion drive to study.
CARTER
Really?
O'NEILL
Yes...so, no need to take any chances
up there.
CARTER
I made a deal, sir. I'm gonna stick
with it.
O'NEILL
Oh, having fun are we, Carter?
She looks over at Warrick. He shrugs.
CARTER
Uhm...gotta go. We're pretty far behind
at this point.
O'NEILL
All right. Be careful.
CARTER
We will. Thank you.
O'NEILL
You're welcome.
Jack leans forward and shuts off the communication.
CARTER
Okay...if we use the gravity of the
sun to slingshot us around back onto
the course, we should be able to pick
up enough speed to get back into the
race.
WARRICK
Brilliant!
Back on Hebridan, at the Tech Con building, Teal'c and Eamon
approach the front desk and speak to the receptionist. Teal'c
is now wearing an outfit identical to Eamon's. They both have
on hats too.
RECEPTIONIST
Hi Eamon.
EAMON
Hello. (He swipes a card through a device
on the desk.) This is my cousin...
TEAL'C
(smiling) Murray.
EAMON
Mm...twice removed. I just forgot a
data unit in my office. Won't be long.
They turn to leave, but the receptionist stops them.
RECEPTIONIST
You have to scan in...company policy.
She places a scanning unit on the desk. Teal'c turns and smiles
again. Eamon motions for him to put his hand on the device.
RECEPTIONIST
Sorry your brother isn't doing very
well.
EAMON
Oh, me too.
RECEPTIONIST
(as Teal'c withdraws his hand) Nice
to meet you, Murray.
Teal'c smiles and bows slightly, then follows Eamon. We see Eamon
and Teal'c walking through a hallway in the building. They approach
a door.
EAMON
This is Tynan's office.
TEAL'C
Does he not keep his office secure?
EAMON
The company philosophy encourages mutual
trust.
Eamon opens the door. Teal'c follows him inside. Eamon looks
behind them to be sure no one has seen them and then closes the
door. Teal'c walks up to a strange looking device. Eamon quickly
walks by him and moves to the computer on Tynan's desk.
EAMON
Besides, no one is going to steal his
plants. Everything of value is in here
and the system is protected by a secret
passcode. Fortunately, I put a program
on my system, that records an intruder's
passcode if someone attempts to access
my personal files.
TEAL'C
Then it is good you do not subscribe
to the company philosophy.
EAMON
(nodding) Mmm.
Back on the Loop course, the Seberus is gaining ground.
DS VOICE
(over comms) This is an automated distress
signal. The following pilot...
JARLATH
Jarlath.
DS VOICE
...is in need of assistance. Current
status is...
JARLATH
Die, you rotting scrap of jetsam!
Meanwhile, back in Tynan's office, Eamon has discovered more
than he was looking for.
EAMON
This is worse than I thought. He has
schematics for every ship in the race.
TEAL'C
For the purpose of sabotaging the competition.
We see another schematic on the screen.
EAMON
But not this one. This ship's been outfitted
with boosters from Tech Con's prototype
division. There's no way a private-sector
pilot could get his hands on these.
TEAL'C
To whom does that ship belong?
EAMON
Muirios. Tynan has set him up to win.
We have to warn Warrick.
Just then, Tynan and two others walk around a partition in the
room.
TYNAN
I don't think so.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Seberus
WARRICK
Oran...this is the Seberus responding
to your distress call. Jarlath, do you
read?
JARLATH
(over comms) Warrick?
WARRICK
We are closing on your position. What
is tour status?
JARLATH
My status is mind your own business.
WARRICK
You sent out a distress call.
JARLATH
No I didn't. My computer did. Everything
is fine.
CARTER
Transmission indicates your life support
is failing.
JARLATH
My oxygen supply vented!
WARRICK
That is what you get for not having
any shields. The drones must have caused
a leak.
JARLATH
Shut up, Warrick. Go back to losing
the race.
CARTER
You're gonna die if you don't let us
help.
JARLATH
I don't need help, least of all from
you.
WARRICK
What about emergency reserves?
JARLATH
I don't have any. I needed the room
for additional weapons.
WARRICK
Imbecile.
JARLATH
I would rather die kissing space debris
than board that barge you call a ship!
Jarlath cuts communication.
WARRICK
He does not want to be rescued.
CARTER
(rolls eyes and then speaks into comms)
Jarlath, hold on. We'll be there soon.
We see the Seberus maneuver over the Oran. Then we see and airlock
extend from under the Seberus and lock onto the Oran. Next, we
see Sam and Warrick open the airlock hatch on the Seberus and
look down into the airlock. Jarlath is sitting at the bottom.
JARLATH
I am not coming up there.
WARRICK
We tried.
He tries to close the hatch, but Sam stops him.
CARTER
(to Jarlath) Come on!
Jarlath sighs and begins climbing the ladder to the Seberus.
WARRICK
Can you move any slower?
JARLATH
You don't think you can still win, do
you?
WARRICK
We are only this far behind because
we were sabotaged.
Jarlath finally makes it onto the Seberus. Sam and Warrick close
the hatch.
JARLATH
A likely excuse. So was I, by the way.
WARRICK
(as he takes his seat again) How so?
JARLATH
(finding a place to sit) The drones
didn't cause the leak in my life support.
I was never hit.
CARTER
(strapping herself back in) Somebody
fixed the whole race?
WARRICK
It is not over, yet.
JARLATH
Ha...what planet do you live on?
WARRICK
Told you we should have left him to
die.
Meanwhile, in Tynan's office, Teal'c's radio comes to life with
the voice of Jack.
O'NEILL
(over the radio) Teal'c? Do you read?
Teal'c? You still at Tech Con?
Tynan who has been tracking the progress of the race on a computer
gets up, picks up the radio and turns it off. Teal'c and Eamon
are seated, hands bound behind their backs. There are still two
other men in the room keeping watch as well.
TYNAN
This is really unfortunate. You were
a good employee, Eamon.
EAMON
How could you do this?
TYNAN
How could I? How could I not? (then
addressing Teal'c) There's something
your new friend, here, doesn't want
you to know. The Serrakin are not to
be trusted.
TEAL'C
The Serrakin freed your ancestors from
the Goa'uld.
TYNAN
For what purpose? Hmm? Sharing technology?
Living in harmony? All lies. The Serrakin
are seizing control or our world, piece
by piece. Taking power and opportunity
away from pure-blood Humans. Polluting
our race by cross breeding. Weakening
it by design. Don't you see? The Serrakin
are no better than the Goa'uld.
EAMON
This is insane, Tynan. Our society was
built by both races...for the good of
all Hebridians.
TYNAN
Is that why the Serrakin hold all the
highest positions and Humans are treated
like second class citizens?
EAMON
That's not true...when Hagan finds out
about this...
TYNAN
(cutting him off) Hagan...is one of
the primary architects of Human oppression
on this planet. No, the winner of the
Loop of Kon Garat will be a pure- blooded
Human and that is merely the first step.
EAMON
You're just mad because...you've been
passed over for advancement three times.
TYNAN
You think I'm the only one? There are
enough of us to make a difference.
EAMON
Has it occurred to you that...maybe
the reason you've been passed over...so
may times is not because you're a Human,
but...because you're a moron?
TYNAN
(ticked off now) I am doing this to
save my kind from the likes of you.
Tynan walks back to the computer and sits down to monitor the
race.
EAMON
(to Teal'c) I guess not.
We flash to another newscast.
HADRAIG
Welcome back to TCNN's continuing exclusive
coverage of the Loop of Kon Garat. Now,
we have some startling developments
to relate. Apparently, Warrick and the
Earthling, Samantha Carter, have re-entered
the race with a vengeance and are now
pulling into a close third position.
Coyle, what does this mean for Muirios?
BORON
Well, he's had a commanding lead for
the bulk of the competition, but he's
gotta be wondering what Warrick's got
on board that allowed him to make up
that kind of distance so fast.
HADRAIG
Well, Coyle, perhaps he's using Ion
Pro, a new engine additive from Tech
Con Propulsion Systems.
BORON
Yes, perhaps.
HADRAIG
Ion Pro is guaranteed to improve drive
performance, no matter what class ship
you fly. Whether you're competing in
the Loop of Kon Garat or just taking
the kids to school, use Ion Pro in your
power source. Ion Pro, from Tech Con
Propulsion Systems: Your system wide
experts in Ion drive technology.
We flash to the Tech Con building where Daniel and Jack have
arrived, looking for Teal'c. They are speaking with the receptionist.
RECEPTIONIST
I'm sorry, I can't let you inside the
complex without clearance.
JACKSON
We're looking for people we think are
inside the building.
RECEPTIONIST
If you give me their names, I can check
and see if they're here.
JACKSON
Okay...one of them is named...
O'NEILL
Eamon.
JACKSON
Eamon.
RECEPTIONIST
And his cousin, Murray?
O'NEILL
Murray! Yes...that's them.
RECEPTIONIST
(smiling) Yes...they're here.
JACKSON
Good, can we go inside now?
RECEPTIONIST
(still smiling) No.
O'NEILL
(the smile on his face disappears) All
right...here's what I'd like you to
do. Pick up that phone, call mister...whoever
runs this place...
JACKSON
Hagan.
O'NEILL
Hagan...
RECEPTIONIST
I'm sorry, but I just can't...
O'NEILL
We're old friends. Tell him Mr. Man-who-has-the-Stargate
is here to see him. He'll understand.
JACKSON
(whispering and smiling) Stargate.
O'NEILL
Go ahead...buttons...phone...
RECEPTIONIST
(into her headset) Mr. Hagan, please.
O'NEILL
(smiling) Nice.
Back in Tynan's office...
EAMON
What are you going to do, Tynan? He's
an alien from another planet. His people
are going to miss him.
Just as he is contemplating a response, Tynan receives a communication
from Muirios.
MUIRIOS
Tynan, respond.
TYNAN
What is it, Muirios?
MUIRIOS
It's the Seberus. Warrick is still in
the race. He's gaining on my position.
Tynan turns to look back at the race screen and suddenly, we
are watching ships fly through an icy asteroid field. Two ships
fly by and then, not far behind, we see the Seberus.
WARRICK
(at the ship controls) Hard left!
The ship jerks to the right and Jarlath, who is standing behind
and in between where Sam and Warrick sit, goes falling into the
right wall of the ship.
JARLATH
(regaining his position, and angry)
What was that? You said left!
WARRICK
Oh, did I? Sorry.
JARLATH
This is a waste of time! We don't have
a chance! You're just gonna get us killed!
CARTER AND WARRICK
(simultaneously) Shut up!
Back in Tynan's office...
MUIRIOS
(over comms) Well, how did this happen?
You said the Seberus would be disabled.
That I was guaranteed to win.
We see Teal'c smile and look to Eamon.
TYNAN
You will win, Muirios. Just focus on
what you have to do. (Tynan looks over
at Eamon and Teal'c.) I'll take care
of the Seberus. (He punches a few buttons
on the communication console.) This
is Tynan calling the Seberus. I know
you can hear me.
WARRICK
What do you want, Tynan?
TYNAN
I only intended to disable your ship,
but your stubbornness as forced my hand.
I have your brother and one of the visitors
from Earth. So, drop out of the race...now.
Sam and Jarlath both react in frustration as Warrick powers back
the engines. The scene fades out.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Hebridan - Tech Con Group Building Jack is sitting in a chair,
cap pulled over his face, sleeping. Daniel is standing next to
him, dipping his foot into a pond that is located next to the
seating area. The doors open to allow Hagan to walk in. Daniel
jumps slightly as he hears the noise and quickly walks to greet
Hagan.
HAGAN
Dr. Jackson...Colonel O'Neill... (We
see Jack wake, suddenly and struggle
to pull himself out of the chair. His
cap is now in his hand and he wipes
at his eyes with his hand.) Sorry to
keep you waiting. It's so nice to see
you again. What can I do for you?
JACKSON
Uhm, we think a...member of you group
might, somehow, be lost...inside your
building...with, uh, with one of your
employees.
HAGAN
Lost? That seems unlikely.
O'NEILL
Well...you've gotta know the guy.
HAGAN
Of course...come with me.
Back on the Seberus...
WARRICK
We were gaining on them. We had a chance.
Sam nods.
JARLATH
(through clenched teeth) You're going
to let a little thing like your brother's
life stop you from winning the race?
CARTER AND WARRICK
(again, simultaneously) Shut up.
In Tynan's office, Tynan is monitoring the race with increasing
nervousness. He swings his chair way from the race monitor and
back to his desk. He taps the communications console.
TYNAN
Muirios...La'el Montrose is gaining
on you.
MUIRIOS
Yes, I know. You were supposed to take
care of her.
TYNAN
I thought I did. She must have overcome
the problem. Lose her.
MUIRIOS
I'm trying.
TYNAN
Try harder. Do whatever you have to.
Then turning to his two goons and referring to Eamon and Teal'c...
TYNAN
Get rid of them. Take them away.
Just as Teal'c and Eamon stand, the door to Tynan's office opens.
In walks Hagan, Jack, Daniel and several of Hagan's security
personnel.
HAGAN
Hello, Del.
TYNAN
(standing) Mr. Hagan...
Hagan walks up to the desk, looking to his left at Teal'c and
Eamon. Hagan's security personnel quickly secure the room.
JACKSON
(approaching Teal'c) Nice outfit. You
guys okay?
TEAL'C
Indeed.
O'NEILL
How many times have I told you, don't
get caught by the bad guys?
HAGAN
How could you do this, Del?
TEAL'C
He claims he was protecting his people
from a Serrakin conspiracy to enslave
the Humans of this world.
TYNAN
I did what I had to. You're kind are
a disease.
EAMON
The only disease here is greed. If he
was protecting anything, it's a deal
he made with Muirios. Which, I suspect,
was quite lucrative.
HAGAN
The reason you've been passed over for
advancement is because you've been under
investigation for corruption for over
a year. We couldn't prove anything until
now.
TYNAN
I intend to file a protest with the
employment council.
HAGAN
(as Tynan is being lead out) Employment
is the least of your worries, right
now, Del.
Eamon quickly walks over to Tynan's communication console and
contacts the Seberus.
EAMON
Warrick, Major Carter...It's Eamon.
Are you there?
WARRICK
Eamon, are you all right?
EAMON
Teal'c and I are both safe. Now get
back in the race...and win...if you
can.
Sam and Warrick smile at each other and Warrick powers up the
engines again.
JARLATH
You must be out of your mind!
WARRICK
(holding up his hand) Do not say a word.
Major, give me all you've got.
CARTER
Max power...Warrick, I hate to say it,
but Jarlath might be right. Muirios
has too big a lead. We'll never catch
him. He cheated. I can't believe they'll
still let him take first prize.
WARRICK
Unless we can keep Muirios from crossing
the finish line first.
CARTER
How can we do that?
JARLATH
Oh, that's easy. (They both look at
him.) Just...get me close.
WARRICK
The closest we will get is when the
double back past us after the final
turn.
JARLATH
It'll have to do.
Sam turns to see Jarlath lying on the floor behind them. He has
opened a hole in the floor and is fiddling with some luminescent
red conduit.
CARTER
What are you doing?
JARLATH
Re-routing the conduit from your fancy
power device and doubling it back through
the communications array.
CARTER
(sarcastically) Why? So we can ask him
to lose?
JARLATH
Humorous. More like tell him. This will
allow us to send a blast transmission.
If my aim is correct, it'll temporarily
freeze the command controls on Muirios'
ship.
WARRICK
You are even crazier than I thought.
JARLATH
Never was much of a pilot. But weapons?
(he smiles at Sam) It's an art.
WARRICK
They're coming around the final turn.
We see the two ships navigating in a tight course marked on either
side by drones or buoys. Muirios guides his ship into Montrose's
ship, giving the ship a nudge...more than once.
CARTER
He's trying to take out La'el's ship.
JARLATH
I don't think so.
We see the Seberus communication console come to life. Then we
see Muirios' ship stall and La'el's ship speed past and through
the energy barrier that signifies the finish line. Jarlath pumps
his fist and chuckles in triumph.
WARRICK
Well done.
JARLATH
Ah...don't make me sick.
Another newscast comes on the screen.
HADRAIG
Unbelievable! What a finish! La'el Montrose
has won the Loop of Kon Garat! What
happened to Muirios?
BORON
It was his race to lost and he lost
it. It looks like some kind of beam
weapon caused his ship's power to fail.
HADRAIG
Opening the door for La'el Montrose
to take it all. You have got to love
that there are no rules in this race.
BORON
It's what makes this competition so
special, Ardal. I must say, in all my
years, I haven't seen anything like
it.
HADRAIG
Well, you must be particularly surprised,
since you picked Muirios to win.
BORON
Yes, I was wrong about that.
HADRAIG
And you also said that Warrick wouldn't
be in contention, and yet he came very
close to finishing this race.
BORON
Yes, I was wrong about that too.
HADRAIG
Any predictions for next year?
BORON
Well, I'd rather not say...
They both chuckle.
HADRAIG
All right, then. We'll be right back
with post-race interviews after a word
from our sponsor: Corso's Temporal Eatery
- where your whole family can eat what
they want, when they want. Part of the
Tech Con Group family of restaurants.
Back on the Seberus...
WARRICK
Sorry we did not win.
CARTER
(smiling) It was still worth it.
Warrick nods his agreement.
SGC Sam is walking through one of the SGC corridors. She rounds
a corner and sees Daniel hanging up a red handset.
CARTER
Hey...
JACKSON
Hey.
CARTER
I just hear from Warrick. The winner
of the race hired him as co-pilot on
her new contract with Tech Con.
JACKSON
That's great.
CARTER
Yeah. He sounded really happy.
JACKSON
You don't.
CARTER
I'm fine.
JACKSON
You've still got that ion drive to study.
CARTER
I know...very cool.
JACKSON
You're just sore that you lost.
CARTER
Well, come on. It wasn't fair...bunch
of cheaters.
Daniel is grinning broadly now.
JACKSON
So, whatcha gonna do?
CARTER
Next year...I'm gonna kick butt.
THE END
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