Stargate Atlantis
"The Atlantian"
Teaser
INT. command tower - afterNOON
The command tower is full of computer consoles and people taping away at them. There is a large screen near the back of the room that has green binary code and lines scrolling up it. The screen is almost see through.
Sam and John are standing near the dialing console. A lieutenant is sitting at the controls.
Sam
Lieutenant Colonel Carrie Pierce should be coming from Earth soon.
SHEPPARD
So tell me again why we're getting someone new.
SAM
(crossing arms in front of body)
She's going to take Teyla's place on your team until she has the baby and we decide what to do from there.
SHEPPARD
What's wrong with Major Lorn? He could take her place. Really we don't need someone else on our team. Ronan and I can handle the fighting and McKay can stick with the science stuff.
SAM
Hold you judgements until you've gotten to know Carrie. I promise you won't be disappointed.
The gate comes to life.
Lieutenant
Incoming wormhole, Ma'am. Receiving IDC from Earth, it's Lt. Col. Pierce.
SAM
Lower the shield. Col. Let's go.
Sam motions for John to head for the gate room.
CUT TO:
INT. Gate Room - mOMENTS LATER
Focused on the gate a figure starts to appear. Carrie walks through the gate. CARRIE is tall with an athletic build and she has red hair and blue eyes.
She walks up to Sam and John. Carrie gives Sam a hug after saluting her.
SAM
It's so great to see you again.
Carrie
I still can't believe you finally got me to come here.
SAM
Well, it's about time. That and McKay's been in a bit of a rut lately and I though you could help.
CARRIE
If he lets me.
John moves a little closer and clears his throat.
SAM
Oh! Sorry, John. Lt. Col. Carrie Pierce this is Lt. Col. John Sheppard.
SHEPPARD
Nice to meet you.
CARRIe
Same here, Col. Sheppard. I understand it's your team I've been assigned to.
SHEPPARD
Yes, one of my team members is currently off active duty and Col. Carter says I have to have you on my team.
Carrie looks at Sam and then around the room.
CARRIE
I look forward to getting to know my new surrounding and you and your team, Col.
SAM
(puts hand on Carries back)
Come I'll take you to you quarters and then show you around.
FADE OUT.
Act 1
FADE IN:
InT. infermary - latER
Dr. Keller greets Sam and Carrie as they enter the infermary. Dr. Keller extends her hand towards Carrie.
Dr. Keller
You must be Lt. Col. Pierce.
CARRIE
(taking hand)
Yes, it's nice to meet you, Dr. Keller. Sam's told me some things about you already.
DR. KELLER
(taking a step back)
I didn't know there was anything to tell.
SAM
Carrie, used to work with Dr. Beckett back on Earth for a short period of time.
DR. KELLER
He was a great man, I'm sorry.
CARRIe
He was, but from what I hear you've been doing a fine job of filling his shoes.
DR. KELLER
I'm glad to hear that.
NURSE (O.S.)
Dr. Keller, we need your assistance, please.
DR. KELLER
I hope to see you soon. Outside of the infermary that is.
CARRIE
You can count on that.
Keller walks off to the back of the infermary.
CUT TO:
INT. mess hall - later - eVENING
Carrie is sitting at a small table near the window of the mess hall. She is eating her dinner while reading a book. There's lots of conversations going on around here and people moving from place to place.
Sheppard walks up to her table with a tray of food.
Sheppard
Mind if I join you?
CARRIE
(looking up and putting book down)
Have a seat, it's nice to see you again Col.
SHEPPARD
You can call me John or Sheppard. We're pretty informal around here. Besides I'm not really sure who out ranks who.
CARRIE
(smiling)
Well, I've been a Lt. Col. for three years now; and you?
SHEPPARD
You have me beat by a year.
(adjusting in seat)
Sorry about the way I acted before. Sam didn't ask me about adding someone to my team or anything.
CARRIE
I understand, I'd feel the same way. Hell I was supposed to come here and be a scientist not a military force.
ShEPPARD
So what were you and Sam talking about earlier about her finally getting you here?
CARRIE
It's kind of a long story.
Carrie puts the bookmark in her book and sets it aside as she takes a sip of her drink.
CARRIE (CONT'D)
Hmm...I'm an Atlantian.
ShEPPARD
I'm sorry a what?
CARRIE
Atlantian, someone from the city of Atlantis.
Carrie starts idyll pushing her food around her plate. She keeps Sheppard out of her eye line.
SHEPPARD
You mean an Ancient?
CARRIE
No, not really. I was born here but I grew up on Earth so I don't consider myself and Ancient.
SHEPPARD
But since you were born in the city of Atlantis your an Atlantian.
Finally looking at Sheppard Carrie half smiles.
CARRIE
Correct.
SHEPPARD
(pointing his fork at her)
How did you grow up on Earth and not here? How old are you?
CARRIE
To your first question I'm not a hundred percent sure. To you second I think that's kind of personal.
SHEPPARD
Well, are you ten-thousand years old like the other Ancients walking around still or are you like closer to my age. Human age I mean.
He cocks his head at here and raises and eye brow.
CARRIE
(uses hand gestures for emphasis)
I'm 32 if you must know. I do know that I ascended when I was four and descended about 28 years ago. My birth certificate says I was born in 1975.
SHEPPARD
Damn, that'll mess with your head. Wait you have a birth certificate?
CARRIE
Yes, I was given to a special couple that knew about the Ancients and beings like them. What I know of my past is from them.
SHEPPARD
So what kinds of special abilities do you have?
Carrie leans back in her chair and crosses her arms in front of her.
CARRIE
None. My brain hasn't fully developed which is another reason I call myself an Atlantian. So how do I compare to other Ancients you've met? Such as those you spent six months with on a mountain.
SHEPPARD
(talking with mouth full)
You're not as stuck up as most of them. Also you aren't like completely clueless about the world.
CARRIE
I think I'd like to meet another Ancient of Ascended. I've never met know. I mean I vaguely seem to remember two in particular but most information about them is missing.
SHEPPARD
Who were they? Anyone I'd know.
Sheppard stops to take a drink.
CARRIE
I don't know their real names but in Medieval times they were called Morgan LaFey and Merlin.
Sheppard almost spits his drink out.
SHEPPARD
How the hell do you know them?
CARRIE
Well, from what I've been told they saved me from the Wraith or Atlantis; I'm not really sure which. They raised me while I was ascended and then they chose my parents on Earth for me.
SHEPPARD
That's....
Sheppard's ear piece activates.
LIEUTENANT (V.O.)
Col. Sheppard your needed in the gate room, we have an off world activation.
SHEPPARD
(tapping ear piece)
I'm on my way. (BEAT) We have to go.
CARRIE
Why?
SHEPPARD
There's been an unauthorized off world activation.
CUT TO:
INT. cOMMAND TOWER - mOMENTS LATER
As Sheppard and Carrie enter the command tower they pass by the observation deck's windows. The star filled night sky can be seen through them.
Sam, Ronan, and McKay are standing at the gate controls and are looking at the small monitor positioned to the right of the gate console.
There is an image of dark woods on the screen being sent by the mount. The image starts to move as if the camera is being shaken.
Carrie and Sheppard have now joined the others in their assessment of the video.
SHEPPARD
What the hell is that?
SAM
(turning to face Sheppard)
I'm not sure. The gate activated and the mount started sending this video through.
Ronan
It looks like someone's trying to take the mount apart. But we haven't seen an image of whose doing this.
Mckay
It could be an animal of some sort. I think the team reported earlier that they saw something that resembled a raccoon. You know raccoons really aren't friendly creatures and they make this awful catlike noise.
Everyone looks at McKay for a moment and then turns back to each other.
RONAN
I say we try moving the mount and scaring whatever it is.
SAM
Good idea...Lieutenant.
Sam motions for him to move the mount forward and he does so.
CARRIE
What planet is this?
SAM
PX-945732, why?
CARRIE
I want to see what the database says about it.
Carrie heads over to one of the consoles on the top level behind the dialing console. McKay follows her.
MCKAY
We got the address from the database. It's an uninhabited planet and has a similar echo system to ours. I checked the database myself, thank you very much.
McKay crosses his arms as if to say "so there!"
Carrie starts typing away on one of the laptops. She looks up from the computer and glares at McKay.
CARRIE
That's all and good but did you read the second report the Ancients had for this planet?
MCKAY
(unfolding his arms)
A second report? No, that's not possible...I didn't see a second report.
McKay pushes Carrie aside and looks at the screen.
SAM
What does the report say?
CARRIE
The Ancients sent a second group of scientist to the planet to start a research facility and on their first night there they were attacked.
SHEPPARD
Does it say what attacked them?
Carrie starts to speak but McKay interrupts her.
MCKAY
(shaking hands near his head)
According to this they originally thought it was an animal but then they realized it was a humanoid.
The gate shuts down and startles everyone.
SAM
Was there anymore activity after you moved the mount, Lieutenant?
LIEUTENANT
No, Ma'am, but I did see some sort of shadow flash across the screen.
SAM
What else does it say about these beings?
MCKAY
They were infected by some sort of virus that made them carnivorous.
RONAN
Come again?
CARRIE
Zombies, cannibals, eaters of human flesh. That kind of thing.
RONAN
Why didn't you just say that.
SHEPPARD
Did they study one of these things? Is there a way to kill them or anything useful?
MCKAY
Your not thinking of going to look for Major Samuels team right now are you?
SHEPPARD
You're damn right I am. I'm not leaving those men out there to be killed by some zombie things that they weren't told about.
SAM
Col. You're not going to rush into anything. Give Rodney and Carrie a few moments to look the report over and see if they can find anything useful. In the meantime I want that gate dialed and I want to try and contact Major Samuels and his team.
LIEUTENANT
Right away Col.
The lights on the gate start illuminating and after the chevrons light the even horizon appears.
SAM
(leaning into the microphone)
Major Samuels, can you hear me? Major are you there?
At first there is no response.
SHEPPARD
You don't think they've already been attacked?
RONAN
They probably found shelter somewhere and put up one hell of a fight if they were.
Suddenly crackling can be hear over the speaker.
Major Samuels (V.O.)
Colonel Carter? We need help-We can't-get back to the gate.
SAM
Major are you and your men alright?
MAJOR SAMUELS
We have some injured, Ma'am. They look real bad-There's these things-in the woods that attacked us and....
SAM
I understand, Major. As soon as we can Col. Sheppard and his team are going to come with reinforcements to help you get out of there. Dr. McKay is looking for a solution.
MAJOR SAMUELS
Hurry, Ma'am, please. I'm-not sure how long....
SAM
Major, say again you cut out. Major?
MAJOR SAMUELS
Sorry I can't get a strong signal.
McKay shakes his hand in the air at Sam and the others. He jumps up from his seat.
MCKAY
(flustered)
They have to get rid of the injured...If they were bitten, scratched, or somehow ingested any fluid...like blood from the, the, the creatures.
SHEPPARD
Why?
MCKAY
Because they're infected and they turn like in all those movies. They become (air quotes) zombies too.
SHEPPARD
How long after that happens?
MCKAY
I'm not really sure.
SHEPPARD
(to Sam)
You have to give the order to put the injured that fit outside their shelter.
SAM
I'm not sure I can do that. McKay just said he doesn't know how long till they turn.
SHEPPARD
Yes, but we can't....
Major Samuels's voice become audible over the speaker once again.
MAJOR SAMUELS
(scared)
Oh God! Shoot them...Shoot them...
Then there's gunfire heard loudly over the speakers along with yelling. After a few seconds everything goes silent.
SHEPPARD
(yelling into microphone)
Major! Major Samuels! Damnit! (pounds fist on console) McKay you to have five minutes to find a way to stop them and meet in the jumper bay!
Sheppard storms off and Ronan follows after him. Everyone else just stands there stunned.
McKay and Carrie look at Sam.
SAM
You heard the man, get going.
MCKAY
You...You're not going to try and stop him? We can't go there now it's dark on the planet. And besides I though I didn't have to go.
CARRIE
Well you are now.
SAM
Col. Sheppard's going with or without my permission so I suggest you find a way to keep yourselves safe.
CARRIE
We have a Botany lab right?
MCKAY
Yes, Katie runs it why?
CARRIE
Those things don't like light and a Botany lab uses UV lights to simulate the sun for the plants.
MCKAY
Genius! I was just about to suggest something like that.
SAM
Rodney.
MCKAY
Right, right, we're going.
CUT TO:
INT. Jumper bay - laTER
Major Lorne along with Ronan stand outside a jumper listening to Sheppard's briefing.
SHEPPARD
These things may resemble something out of "Resident Evil" or "I Am Legend," but this isn't a movie and we've already lost some good men. We're not sure exactly how many are turned or dead, but our mission is simple. Get in, get the survivors, and get out. Is that clear?
Major Lorne
Yes, Sir.
SHEPPARD
Let's get in the jumper
They all get in the jumper.
INT. jumper - cONTINUOUS
SHEPPARD
(turning to Lorne)
Where the hell are McKay and Pierce? I gave them five minutes.
MAJOR Lorne
I'm sure their one their way, Col.
SHEPPARD
They better be here in the next....
CARRIE
Hope you were planning on leaving without us.
SHEPPARD
Few seconds more and we would have.
CARRIE
We're good to go. We have a plan.
RONAN
Really that fast?
CARRIE
Well, it's really more like half a plan.
MAJOR Lorne
I thought you were a science geek like McKay. What are you doing going with us.
CARRIE
I'm one of those science geeks that wears combat boots.
SHEPPARD
Careful, Major, she out ranks you. Meet Lt. Col. Carrie Pierce.
MAJOR Lorne
Sorry, Ma'am, I didn't mean....
CARRIE
(smiling)
Don't worry, Major, I may wear the ribbons but rank isn't everything.
SHEPPARD
This is Col. Sheppard to Carter. We're ready to take off.
The jumper starts hovering above the floor.
A door in the ceiling opens above the jumper's position.
INT. gATE ROOM - cONTINUOUS
The gate starts to dial and then the event horizon appears.
The jumper comes up through the floor into the gate room and enters through the gate.
End act one
Act 2
Cut to:
EXT. Planet PX-945732 - laTER - nIGHT
The jumper emerges into the dark woods of the planet. Almost nothing can be seen. The lights from the jumper illuminates small patches of forest.
INT. jumPER - cONTINUOUS
Sheppard pushes some buttons on the jumper console.
SHEPPARD
Command, we're going to set down near the gate. I want you to send the UAV through and see if you can locate where Major Samuels and his team might have taken shelter.
Lieutenant (V.O.)
Copy that, Col. I'll let you know as soon as we find something.
EXT. pLANET PX-945732 - cONTINUOUS
The UAV comes through the gate and buzzes over the jumper. Then above the tree tops and moves out of sight.
Sheppard sets the jumper down about ten feet from the gate in a small clearing. The jumper's interior lights stay on while it's external lights turn off.
INT. jUMPER - cONTINUOUS
Sheppard turns around to face everyone.
SHEPPARD
So what's this partial plan you have?
Carrie
Well, like most zombies.
MCKAY
(coming from the back)
Actually, the Ancient database called them, strangely enough, Nosferatu. But some how we wound up calling them zombies. (snidely and looking harshly at Carrie)
CARRIE
Only because Nosferatu mainly refers to a vampire and these things are more like zombies.
MAJOR Lorne
Are we really having this conversation?
SHEPPARD
I'm afraid so, Major. Can we get back to the plan, please?
CARRIE
As I was trying to say...They don't like the light and they seek flesh and or blood as their life source. So we brought along every UV light Atlantis had.
MCKAY
That's how we're going to get around. Now as long as the battery packs stay active we should be alright.
ShEPPARD
So let me get this straight. These things want to eat us, they like the dark, and the only defense or weapon we have a lights that may or may not run out of power?
MCKAY
Yes, but we also have our guns. (holding his up)
RONAN
That's reassuring.
ShEPPARD
I gave you five minutes and that's all you came up with?
CARRIE
What were you expecting a miracle in five minutes?
SHEPPARD
Maybe.
MaJOR Lorne
So should we aim for the head?
CARRIE
Hey it works on most things. I say give it a try.
MAJOR Lorne
Works for me.
ShEPPARD
Alright get the lights ready and let's head out.
They all head for the back of the jumper and start getting things out.
CUT TO:
EXT. pLANET PX-945732 - woods - mOMENTS LATER
Sheppard, Ronan, Major Lorne, Carrie, and Rodney are walking in a tight group through the forest. They each have a large light unit that looks like a florescent light.
Sheppard and Lorne are in the front, McKay is in the middle of the bunch. Ronan and Carrie bring up the back of the group. They occasionally turn around to cover their backs and to make sure nothing is following them.
They keep walking for about a minute before they hear a noise coming from the bushes.
The sound keeps moving from one spot to another.
ShEPPARD
I can't get a fix on it, can anyone else?
RONAN
No. There could be more than just one thing out there.
MCKAY
You always have to choose the worst scenario don't you?
RONAN
Just keeping you on your toes, McKay.
ShEPPARD
Everyone hold your position and let's see if they try to come any closer to investigate.
Sheppard's radio clicks on and the Lieutenant's voice can be heard over it.
LIEUTENANT
Col. Sheppard, we think we found the camp. It should be about half a mile from the gate.
SHEPPARD
Thank you, Lieutenant. Let Col Carter know we're on our way there now.
LIEUTENANT
Right away, Sir.
Once again there is silence in the forest. Carrie and Ronan are now facing with their backs to the group so there is light surrounding them all.
CARRIE
Keep in mind we don't know how smart these things are.
ShEPPARD
I thought they were supposed to be slow and stupid?
CARRIE
Well, some are like that but not all. The ones in "I Am Legend" moved pretty fast if I recall.
MCKAY
Oh God, she's right!
ShEPPARD
I'd appreciate it if you stopped scaring McKay.
CARRIE
Sorry, Col.,I'll stop.
Ronan turns to Shepard but keep his light facing the way it was.
RONAN
Should we start moving again? I don't hear anything.
ShEPPARD
Are you sure you don't hear anything?
RONAN
I'm sure; it's safe to move again.
SHEPPARD
(motioning forward w/hand
Let's get to that shelter and meet up with the other team.
The group starts down the path. There is a narrow strip of dirt that can be seen in front of them.
Out of the teams sight something rushes through the shadows of the forests, lit only by the moonlight coming through the trees.
CuT TO:
EXT. woods - shelter - laTER
Carrie and Ronan are walking backwards now as the group reaches the shelter.
As the group scans the surrounding are there is no sign of Major Samuels's team.
MaJOR LORNE
Do you think they's anone in the shelter?
ShEPPARD
I'm not sure if I want there to be....
RONAN
I'm sure there's survivors, John.
They move to the shelter door.
SHEPPARD
(motioning)
Ronan to the left, Carrie right, and Rodney cover the back. Lorne and I will enter first and secure the shelter.
Everyone gets into position and Sheppard and Lorne put their lights on the ground still on.
Sheppard and Lorne have their guns at the ready. Sheppard turns the knob and pushes the door open.
INT. shelter - cONTINUOUS
The small beams of light coming from Lorne and Sheppard's guns barely penetrate the darkness in the small room.
The shelter it appears used to be a one room house. The two men move deeper into the room and search around but find no one or anything in the house.
MCKAY
Can we come in now?
ShEPPARD
Yes, and close the door behind you.
Carrie, Ronan, and McKay enter the house quickly and slam the door shut. With the UV lights in the small house now it is easy to see what has occurred.
There are blood smears down the walls and some bloody hand prints as well. There are no bodies to be found though.
MCKAY
I never knew there could be so much blood in one place.
SHEPPARD
I don't see any bodies so they must have taken them somewhere else.
MCKAY
Or they ate every part of them.
SHEPPARD
McKay!
MCKAY
I'm just saying....
Carrie moves closer to Sheppard and puts a hand on his shoulder.
CARRIE
I'm sure there are survivors from Major Samuels's team. And as for the jumper two team, they probably left here and went in search of another place they would hide.
ShEPPARD
The suns starting to come up. As soon as it's bright enough out we'll go in search of everyone.
Carrie and Sheppard sit on a bench near them that is clean.
Ronan and Lorne stand near windows watching.
McKay paces back and forth calculating something on his computer.
CUT TO:
INT. sHELTER - lATER - mORNING
John and Carrie are still sitting on the bench talking about strategies with Ronan and Lorne. McKay is still working with his computer.
MCKAY
(throwing a hand in the air and putting computer down at side)
Great! They've all turned.
ShEPPARD
What? Whose turned?
MCKAY
Anyone that survived the attack I'm sure. I did the calculations and with that much blood loss they'd turn sooner than we though.
SHEPPARD
Rodney, there were five people in here. Not all this blood is from one person.
MCKAY
I know, that's my point. You die before the virus takes affect I'm sure and hence the massive blood loss....
SHEPPARD
The sooner you turn. Still we don't know for sure if everyone got bitten or whatever.
MCKAY
I think we should prepare ourselves for the worst.
CARRIE
(to John)
He's such a pessimist, ignore him.
ShEPPARD
Pessimist or not we need to get moving, it's light enough out.
EXT. wOODS - SHELTER - cONTINUOUS
The team emerges minus the UV lights. They move away from the shelter to get a better look at their surroundings.
In the sunlight it can be seen that a small city used to stand where they were now. There are ruins all around but there are some houses and buildings that are still mostly complete.
MaJOR LORNE
Are you sure we should leave the UV lights in there, Col.?
ShEPPARD
If you want to keep lugging one of those things around be my guest. As long as we stay in the light we'll be fine.
CARRIE
What was that? I think I saw something move up ahead.
MaJOR LORNE
It can't be one of those things right? You said they can't stand the light.
CARRIE
It could have been an animal.
ShEPPARD
Just be careful. There's plenty of shadows for them to hide in.
The team cautiously moves deeper into the ruins.
MaJOR LORNE
Maybe we should try to raise Major Samuels on the radio. Also we might want to split up.
Everyone except Rodney swings from side to side constantly checking their surroundings. Rodney stays close to Carrie and Ronan.
Rodney bumps into Ronan and is given a stern look. Rodney puts his hands up and moves away.
SHEPPARD
(pressing his radio)
Col. Sheppard to Major Samuels, do you read me? Major Samuels, please respond.
There is nothing but silence in response.
MAJOR LORNE
His radio probably got busted up in the fight, that's all.
SHEPPARD
I hope you're right. Okay, let's split up. Ronan and Carrie you take Rodney and go to the right. Lorne and I'll go left. If anyone gets into any trouble don't hesitate to open fire.
They split into their teams and head off in the correct direction. Rodney, Ronan, and Carrie's section of the city consists of houses. Lorne and Sheppard's portion is mostly buildings.