04x02 - Lifeline

Episode transcripts for the TV show, "Stargate Atlantis". Aired: July 16, 2004 – January 9, 2009.*
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Within the ruins of the legendary city of Atlantis is buried a secret base left by the Ancients, originators of the Stargate.
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04x02 - Lifeline

Post by bunniefuu »

the Replicator satellite
will be able to track us.

Atlantis is leaving.

- We're not flying high enough.
- We don't have enough power.

We are lost.

We dropped out of hyperspace way
too soon. I have no idea where we are.

She's unresponsive
and her pupils are sluggish.

Prep the OR and have the scanner
ready when we get there.

Several conduits were affected
by the brush with the beam.

She's suffering from cerebral oedema,

which may have caused
substantial brain damage.

- What is that?
- An asteroid belt?

We're gonna clear a path through
the belt by f*ring our drones.

Elizabeth's crashing. If we
do this thing, we need to do it now.

What did you do?

- I reactivated the nanites.
- Dammit!

But I'm certain they're not gonna try
to take her over or contact the others!

This is a very bad idea.

There's a planet out there with ZPMs?

That would be the Replicator homeworld.

You feel up to a heist?

OK, when I say,
go ahead and try the left one.

Geez!
I said, "when I say!"

I thought you did say!

How's it going, boys?

We'd be making a lot more progress

if Timmy t*rture over here wasn't
trying to k*ll me every 2 sec.

I'm not trying to k*ll him.

So, can you make it
jump into hyperspace or not?

Yes, I think so.

- You think so?
- Yes, think.

You said you could do it.

Correction I said "probably" do it.

Yes, he has trouble with an algorithm
he created during his near-ascension.

This is unbelievably complex
physics here, alright?

I mean, it makes string theory look
like non-linear dynamics.

Even if I do get it working,

there's still a thousand things
that could go terribly, terribly wrong.

I get it, it's difficult.
Million-to-one odds...

Was there something else you needed,
or were you here to prod and belittle?

No, not.

Not merely.

There's another problem
we need to be thinking about.

Such as, what do we do
when we get there?

Getting this thing to jump
into hyperspace may be easy.

Infiltrating the city, stealing the ZPM,

and getting out,
I think that's a little dicey.

To say the least.

- I've been thinking about that.
- And?

And I think that if we stand
any chance of succeeding,

we're gonna need some help.

From who?

Feel like taking a trip?

The nanites inside you,

I think, if we got them
in close proximity

to the human-form Replicator's city,

I'd be able to manipulate them
to remotely hack

into the Replicator mainframe.

We'd be able to find out the closest ZPM
and the quickest way to get in and out.

Not only that, we'd be able to track
their movement as well.

We'll know they're coming
before they spot us.

Which does not eliminate the danger.

Far from it.

But it does give us a significant edge.

What happens if the Replicators take
control of the nanites inside me?

- They won't. I'd block any attempt...
- But if they do?

I ordered Rodney to write a k*ll switch
into the nanites' code.

If we trigger the program,
it'll neutralize them.

Neutralize them,
you mean shut them off?

Yes.

And you said the nanites are
all that are keeping me alive.

They are.

If we shut them off, it will...

k*ll you.

But that's not gonna happen.

Alright?

I've ordered Rodney to keep an eye
on the bastards, make sure they behave.

We would not ask this
of you if it was not

the only chance of
this mission succeeding.

She's right, if we don't get hold
of a ZPM, the City and everyone in...

When do we leave?

Right now.

What? Wait,

No... not right now. Look, I haven't
finished finalizing the power distrib...

Finalize it. We need to move.

You're gonna be OK, Elizabeth.

Still,

I would like all of you
to keep a very close eye on me,

and the first sign
of any suspicious behavior,

do not hesitate
with that k*ll switch.

- OK, but that's not gonna happen...
- John, I mean it.

Hey, Teyla!

Wait up.

I'm gonna need you
to sit this one out.

John, if this mission is not successful

Zelenka thinks he found a planet

that can sustain human life.

He's fairly confident that he can get
the City there in one jump.

Without the shields,
we will be unable to land.

I know. We won't even have enough
power to establish orbit.

You're gonna have to do a fly-by,
and get everybody else in the Jumper.

- You mean abandon the City.
- Well, if it comes to that.

Alright, these people
are gonna need a leader.

Somebody who can keep them alive, keep
them together, more importantly, not

let them give up hope.

That's you, Teyla.

Look, if I'm not back twelve hours,

give the order.

Alright.

Now.

- Are you certain?
- Yes.

I only ask 'cause the last time you were
less than definitive in your answer...

Alright.

- OK.
- Yes?

- I think we got it.
- Good, good, now...

now, as long as we don't
burn up all of the power

on the initial jump, then...

Yes, yes, right, OK.

I'll leave now.

- You ready?
- Yes. I'm not sure if it's gonna work,

I've done everything
I can to make it.

Sheppard, we're ready.

Alright Teyla, we're ready to launch.

Understood.

Open the Jumper bay doors.

Remember, no wild parties
while we're gone.

We will try to restrain ourselves.

Good luck.

Alright, here we go.

Rodney, you ready?

Did I mention that this might not work?
And that we could either drop out of

hyperspace prematurely and end up
stranded in the middle of deep space,

or quite possibly, be vaporized
the moment I touch that.

Just answer the damn question.

Yeah, I'm ready.

Good, sit down.

Here goes.

OK, opening
hyperspace window in three,

two,

one...

Oh my! that's... beautiful.

Yeah, it is.

It's like Elwynn Forest.

Oh, nothing, it's

one of the lands in Warcraft.

That's a game I play.

Well, occasionally.

You gonna be OK?

Yeah, I just... you know,
I don't get to get offworld much,

or ever, hardly.

You'd better take a picture
we're not gonna be here long.

Right, good idea.

This is Colonel Carter
calling the Apollo.

Colonel Ellis, do you read?

Five by five, Colonel.

We've stepped through the Gate
and are ready for transport.

- No, wait...
- Stand-by.

Welcome to the Pegasus galaxy, Colonel.

Thank you.
Still no word from Atlantis?

Nothing.

I've been going over the specs

for these modifications you're proposing
for the sensor array.

You're asking for a five-fold increase
in power consumption?

Plus, you want to cannibalize parts
from half a dozen other key

systems, including
subspace communications.

That's correct.

What if they try and contact us?

If they could, they would have done it.

All of this is based on the assumption

that they dropped out
of hyperspace early.

Yeah, we believe
that's the most likely scenario.

Alright, let's do it.

Congratulations, Rodney.

Your hyperdrive worked.

Unfortunately, believe it or not,

Zelenka was actually right.

We b*rned up way more power on the jump

than we expected.

What are you saying?
We can't get back?

No, what I am saying is that the...

Actually,
that's exactly what I'm saying.

I suppose, once we steal the ZPM,
I could utilise its power.

- Need to make sure I don't overload...
- Let's take this one step at a time!

First things first.

Let's worry about getting the ZPM.

Right.

- I'm gonna try to initialize the link.
- What do you want me to do?

Nothing. Just sit there.
It's completely wireless.

Let me know if anything
pops into your mind.

What do you mean?

Will I just sort of sense something,

or is it more of a...

Oh, my God.

I did it.

I mean, she did it.

But we have to move fast. Even though
her nanites are in lurking mode,

won't take long for them to figure out
another player has joined the game.

How you feeling, Elizabeth?

Very strange.

I can suddenly see the entire city
directly in front of me.

Every corridor, every single room...

That way.

The ZPM.

Fourth quadrant, top level, easy access.
There's hardly anyone around.

Alright, works for me.

Alright, we're down.
Rodney, stay here with Elizabeth,

keep sifting through the intel.
You guys can guide us through by radio.

Twenty meters to the left
behind the jumper,

there's an access door.

Down one flight of stairs,

you'll enter auxiliary corridor seven.

Go now, it's clear.

We're at the corridor.

Go right.

At 6.5 meters,

- there should be another corridor.
- OK, we see it.

Turn left. Wait! Go back!

It's alright, he didn't see you.

Really? You know that?

Yeah. Like I said, it's very strange.

Can we go now?

Yes, go.

Turn left, then right.

It should be directly in front of you.

Yeah, I see it.

Hold up, Chewie.

Aren't they gonna notice
when we pull the plug on this thing?

Probably,
but they've got dozens of ZPMs.

Let's just hope that they don't notice
until we're long gone.

That's wishful thinking.

We still in the clear?

There's a small group of Replicators
two corridors over, heading your way,

so you need to move quickly.

Got it.

We're on our way.

Hook up the ZPM, we're leaving.

- Wait a minute. We can't go.
- What are you talking about?

You said you could get
the hyperdrive back online.

I mean, we can, but not yet. Look,
while Elizabeth's been connected,

I've been going over the Replicator's
base code, and I found this.

What is that?

The Holy Grail.

It's their whole reason for being.

It's a command code
that directs them to att*ck the Wraith.

But they don't att*ck the Wraith.

They've been sitting on their nanite
asses for 10,000 years.

That's because it's been deactivated.

- And how did that happen?
- I've no idea.

Maybe the Ancients did it when
they realised they'd lost control.

You're just noticing this now, huh?

This is just one in millions
of commands in the base code.

Look, I always had a hunch that
something like this might be in there,

but believe me, it was not easy to find.

Can you reactivate it?

Yes, but there's a problem.

Look, I can reprogram
the nanites in your brain

and use that link
to upload the changes, but

we'll need to wait for the next merge to
affect all the Replicators at once, and

we have no idea when that could be.
Not only that, but

the instant it happens,
they'll know you're there.

They'll take immediate
steps to assimilate you.

Then we're not doing it.

John...
You know what this could mean.

If the Replicators go to w*r
with the Wraith?

Forget about it. It's not happening.

- That's not your call.
- The hell it isn't!

Hang on. There may be another way.

There's a central data core.

It's kind of like a back-up
hard-drive for all the Replicators.

If I can upload the reactivated
att*ck command directly into that,

we wouldn't need to use Elizabeth.
We could be half way back to Atlantis

when the att*ck command
takes effect at the next merge.

That sounds a little more like it.

There's one small problem,

which is not actually a small problem.

The core is at the center of the city,
several levels down.

It would be impossible
to get there undetected.

Great.

We're gonna have to come back
after we take the ZPM back to Atlantis

and after we land the City.

I don't think we'll have another chance.

He's right.

Once they notice the ZPM is missing,

they'll be able to trace
the source of the infiltration.

I will never get this kind
of undetected access again.

If we're gonna do this,
it's now or never.

You're gonna turn the cloak
in an anti-Replicator field?

Yes, by interfacing
the A.R.G's control crystal

with the Jumper's cloaking generator.

The only question is how far
I can widen the field.

Look, go ahead and fly us as close
to the center of the city as possible.

There.

- But won't we be visible?
- Yes, we will.

The anti-Replicator field
will protect us.

That is, assuming that I can
extend the field wide enough

to encompass not only the Jumper,
but also the core room, and

also assuming we can run fast enough
to get there, input the command, and

get back before the Replicators figure
out how to override the field, and...

You know, slaughter us.

Don't worry about it.
You're not coming with us.

- Neither is Elizabeth.
- I'm sorry, what?

You guys can guide us through
by radio like you did last time.

Wait a minute. If I'm not there, how are
we supposed to input the command?

Put it on a tablet. I'll plug it
into the core and upload it myself.

Oh, plug and play, huh?
What, you think it's that simple?

Well, it will be, because
you're gonna make it that simple.

- Yeah...
- I need you

to stay here, Rodney.

- Why?
- Rodney!

To keep an eye on me.

You may need to activate
the k*ll switch on the nanites.

You'll be able to keep a closer eye on
me if we both stay here in the Jumper.

Alright.

Get out of that.

- The core is beneath that platform.
- How far beneath?

Nine levels.

Piece of cake.

- Anything?
- No.

Eleven jumps.

I'm sorry. Even with the scanners' range
significantly increased,

we've only covered a small area so far.

We still have 39 more jumps before
we reach the original Lantian planet.

Thirty nine?

Space is quite vast.

You don't say.

Engage hyperdrive.

Stop number twelve.

- We're visible.
- Engaging anti-Replicator field now.

It's working.

OK, let's jack it up,
see how far we can penetrate.

Penetrate?

What?

Alright, here we go.

- It's working.
- Damn right, it's working.

It's encompassed the core room.
You're good to go.

What, you don't believe me,
but you believe her?

No offense.

Offense taken.

Straight down, nine levels.

Then a short run down a corridor
to the core room.

OK, I've written a basic
block-storage transport protocol

to upload the att*ck command
directly from this tablet into the core.

All you need to do is plug
this cable into the main circuit,

it'll automatically configure
and upload the command.

Plug it in.

- You wanted simple.
- I like simple.

Well, we created that adapter
to interface with Ancient tech,

which the Replicators love to imitate,
so you shouldn't have a problem there.

Now, you need to move fast,
because as soon as they find out

what we're up to, they're going
to figure out a way around it.

Just do what you did last time.

We'll be back before you know it.

Let's go.

What is it?

An anomalous energy reading in the 2nd
quadrant of the communications tower.

- Source?
- Undetermined as of yet.

It's creating a disruptive field,
emanating downwards from the top level,

encompassing nine levels
directly below it.

The core.

OK, we're here. Left or right?

Left.

Shield's working, Rodney.

- Good, make sure to stay behind it.
- Thanks for the tip.

Now turn right.

Alright, we're here.

I'm assuming the big
glowy thing is the core.

Indeed, it is. OK,
there should be an open slot

in the control panel
that you can plug the cable into.

Alright.

Here goes.

It's plugged in.

It is?

Why am I not reading anything? Are you
sure you plugged it into the right slot?

There's only one slot, Rodney.

Hurry, John, they're coming,
and there's hundreds of them.

- Won't the field protect us?
- As long as you hurry.

OK, look, try plugging it in again.

Alright, it's plugged in again.

Still nothing. What did you do?

I didn't do anything.

They keep attacking the field.

They're deliberately
sacrificing themselves.

Why would they do that?

The more they att*ck the field,

the quicker they can figure out
how to override it.

Then we need to get the hell ot of here.

Rodney, why is this not working?

It's not working because
the core is not recognizing the tablet.

Why not?

I don't know!

- We're almost through the field.
- Good.

I'm on my way.

You need to implement
adjustments in the negotiation protocol

to exploit parallelism
at the device interface.

- What?
- Just do what I say.

Start by unplugging the cable.
Access the tablet's root directory.

This is not simple.

- You have to get them out of there.
- We're not done...

There's no more time!
The Replicators have breached the field!

What do you mean
they breached the field?

They figured how to override it.
Look, we need to move much faster.

You need to make changes
to the negotiation protocol

to allow for direct data placement.

We need to allow for resynchronization
of the packet boundaries

within the data stream.

Oberoth is heading to the core room.

- He knows it's us.
- How far is he?

- Can they make a run for it?
- No.

Replicators are apoaching
from every direction. They're trapped.

Which means they're as good as dead.

We can hear you, you know.

What? No.

When I say, "as good as dead,"
I mean it as more of a...

- Elizabeth, what are you doing?
- Stay here!

Elizabeth, you can't go out there!

- Elizabeth!
- What's going on?

- Elizabeth just left the jumper.
- Why?

I don't know. She just ran out.

Elizabeth, this is Sheppard,
do you copy?

Respond.

- If they capture her...
- I know, I know.

So, what do we do now?

She said to hit the k*ll switch on the
nanites if she did anything suspicious.

I know, but...

Sheppard.

Make the call.

Do it.

- It's not working.
- What?

- Why not?
- Just... give me a second.

I'm not getting confirmation, and don't
ask why, because I don't know, OK?

The last time she had
active nanites inside her,

she was able to exert a certain control.
Maybe she's doing it here now, or...

maybe there's interference
that's affecting the frequency.

I don't know.
I need to run a diagnostic.

Better yet, why don't you figure out
a way how to get us out here?

If we're screwed, we might
as well complete the mission.

Dr. Weir?

Hello, Oberoth.

You're surprised.

Indeed, I am.

Niam infected me with nanites.

Yes, I can detect them now.

We were able to neutralize them,

and then reprogram

and manipulate them to suit our needs.

Industrious of you.

Which is why, now that I've been able to
establish a physical link through you,

I have direct access
to the Replicator collective.

I'm in control now.

OK, I'm plugged in. Anything?

Yes! Yes, it's working!

What the hell just happened?

The Replicators have all frozen.

Well, I can see that, but who did it?

It wasn't me.

It might have been Elizabeth.

- Can she do that?
- I don't know. I mean,

she'd have to link directly
with the collective, which means the

chances they'll be able to take over her
nanites have increased exponentially.

How long before they come back to life?

Your guess is as good as mine,
but I would err on the side of less time

- rather than more.
- So we go?

Yeah, first things first. How are we
doing with the upload?

Almost there. Just a few more seconds.

- How many seconds?
Don't start with that again!

I'm impressed with your strength,

Dr. Weir, but I must remind you,
that it's only a matter of time

before I make the necessary corrections

to overcome the hold you have on me.

I am prepared to fight
for as long as I need.

Good for you.

Your desire to protect
your people is admirable,

but you will, ultimately,

fail.

Keep thinking that.

Keep allowing your arrogance
to undermine you.

You know it's true, Dr. Weir.

I can feel you weakening already.

Despite your desire

this is a fight for which you are...

clearly

ill-equipped.

That's it, you're done! Unplug and go!

Once again,

you have underestimated me.

They're moving again!

Yeah. I know.

Well,

this is familiar.

I'm trying to decide
if this incursion of yours

reflects considerable bravery or

- stupidity.
- Where's Dr. Weir?

Her attempts to seize
control of the collective

proved too taxing for her,

rendering her mind and body
virtually moribund.

She has been taken to be...

repaired.

- You're gonna take control of her.
- That has already occurred.

Unfortunately, I was not able to

glean all the information
I need from her,

so I will have to extract it from you.

Information?

About the precise location of Atlantis.

You left your planet before
we were able to destroy it.

Sorry to spoil your plans.

Nothing is spoiled,

merely prolonged,

and now, with your help,

we will complete the destruction.

Seeing how none of us
will volunteer the information...

You know quite well

that we have a simple method
for extracting what we need.

Problems?

What?

I figured, you'd messed with our minds,

so I'd mess with yours.

You didn't overpower me, Oberoth.

The Replicator guards
didn't capture my team.

It was all a fictional scenario
played out in your mind.

In reality,
your guards are still frozen,

and my team is escaping as we speak.

You were wrong, Oberoth.

I have never underestimated you,

but you have clearly underestimated me.

You will not leave this city alive!

Maybe not,

but my team will.

- Still nothing from Elizabeth?
- No.

Can't communicate with her or track her.
It's like she just... disappeared.

If she's the one
who froze the Replicators,

that means she's probably still alive.

For the moment, maybe.

- She can't be that far.
- We'll find her.

You better make it fast. The Replicators
could unfreeze at any moment.

Thanks, Rodney!

I admire your tenacity,

but I won't be fooled again.

You're struggling, Dr. Weir.

Get to the jumper!

You're coming with us.

I can't keep them frozen much longer!

We're not leaving you behind!

If you don't leave right now,

none of us will get out of here, so go!

That's an order!

Come on!

Go!

Oh, thank God.

Can we cloak?

Rodney, can we cloak?

No, Not yet.

We drained too much power trying
to convert the cloak into an AR field.

I'll try to interface the ZPM,
but we're going to need some time.

Alright, we'll just have
to make a run for it then.

How's hyperspace looking?

Not good. Harnessing power
from the ZPM is tricky.

If I'm off even
a slightest amount, then

- we could all...
- Two ships heading our way.

- Rodney!
- I need more time!

We just lost weapons!

- Dammit!
- Come on, McKay!

This is not simple, you know?

If I don't properly calibrate the power
output, we could incinerate the moment

the hyperspace window opens!

I'm picking something up dead ahead.

Oh, crap.

They're powering up weapons!

What the hell was that?

Colonel Sheppard, this is the Apollo,
do you read?

Colonel Ellis, is that you?

Affirmative. The 302 bay is open,

and you have permission to come aboard.
I suggest you hurry.

Copy that, Apollo. We're on our way.

Can I just add that your timing
is pretty damn perfect?

We would've got here earlier, but we had
a little trouble finding Atlantis.

Wait, is that you?

It's me, Rodney.
I'll explain when you get onboard.

Colonel...

We lost Dr. Weir
on the Replicator planet. Can you...

lock on her locator beacon
and beam her up?

I'm not picking up any signal.

Copy that.

Here's a good one, M35-117.

- Does Dr. Weir know about it?
- Not on our primary or back-up list.

I purposefully searched for a planet
we'd never considered before.

The Replicators can probe her mind
all they want, they won't find it.

Good...

- For us.
- Well, look, it's a...

stable atmosphere, a big ocean.

Besides the large, particularly

venomous snake-like creature
that inhabits the main land,

it looks to be a welcoming environment.

Alright. Radek, how we doing?

All set here. The ZPM is online.

OK,

here we go.

We did it.

Well, there's still the small matter
of landing this thing.

I'll just jump in the chair,
ease us down.

Well, that could be tricky.

We drained a lot of power
from the ZPM just getting here.

We got enough energy to keep
the shield up for re-entry.

There better be. A City this size
will create considerable friction.

We come in too fast
or too steep, and the shield

could attenuate under the stress,
the whole place will be torn to shreds

or burn up, or both...

It never ends with you, you know?

What?

Tell everyone to buckle up.
We're going in.

Shield's holding. So far so good.

- What's wrong?
- Angle's too steep.

Like this, we're gonna put
too much strain on the shield,

which means more power draining
from the ZPM.

Sheppard, we're coming in too steep.

We need to ease up
on the angle of re-entry.

In fact, you mean entry.
You see, we never actually left this...

Right, right.

Ease up on the angle!

I heard you the first time, Rodney.

And yet we're still coming in too steep!

Hang on!

We're over the ocean!

Sheppard you need to slow us down.
We're coming in over the water.

Copy that.

Still too fast! Slow down!

We want to touch down gently, like

like a leaf kissing
the surface of a pond.

Nice kissing.

How we doing?

Systems are looking good...

So far,

and plenty of power in the ZPM.

Drop the shield.

Colonel Sheppard, we made it.

The City's floating safely on the ocean.

Excellent landing.

Thank you.

Who d'you think's gonna replace her?

I don't know.

Whoever it is...

That's tough shoes to fill.

Yes.

- OK, let's give it a go.
- Right.

This is Atlantis,
calling Stargate Command.

Do you read?

We read you, Atlantis.
Good to hear from you.

Great to be heard.

Tell General Landry
we're back on the grid.

Rodney...

What?

Long-range scanners detect a massive

fleet of ships being launched
from the Replicator planet,

but they're not heading for us.

That's a Wraith planet.

The att*ck command
must have been activated.

What do you know? It worked!

There you are.

Two moons.

Actually, there are five.

It's just these these are only two
visible to the naked eye.

- Really?
- Yeah.

Heard you and Rodney got us reconnected
to the intergalactic bridge.

Yeah.

General Landry was understandably
relieved to hear from us.

You know, in all the excitement I never
got a chance to congratulate you.

Your promotion.
You're a full bird Colonel now.

Thank you.

- So you sticking around?
- No.

General Landry wants
Dr. Lee and I to gate back,

give him a full briefing
on the situation here.

The Apollo's gonna remain
in orbit for a while

in case you need any assistance.

Thanks for saving our asses
back there from the bad guys.

That was a risky move.

It was nothing compared to the risk
that you and your team took.

Frankly, I'm amazed that
you were able to pull it off.

We had a lot of help.

Yeah.

General Landry sends his condolences.

He was deeply saddened
to hear about Dr. Weir.

We all were.

I haven't given up hope.

If there's a chance she's still alive,

I'll find her.

I know.
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