"Stargate: Atlantis" Spec Script
Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2012 6:15 pm
by selderane
I thought it would be nifty to post a spec I wrote in 2008 when I had dreams of writing Stargate episodes. I think it's good I can see a lot I'd go back and rewrite, but there's a fair bit more I still enjoy. I'm pretty proud of this thing.
This episode would have taken place during season four. I wrote it in Final Draft.
TEASER:
ACT 1:
This episode would have taken place during season four. I wrote it in Final Draft.
TEASER:
Spoiler:
Code: Select all
STARGATE: ATLANTIS
"Vengeance"
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. FOREST CLEARING - DAY
TEYLA and RONON are pinned down behind a small mound of LOGS
and ROCKS in the middle of a CLEARING. BLUE ENERGY BLASTS
fly around them, all seeming near misses. Popping out from
behind TREES we see 6 MEN taking shots at our two heroes.
TEYLA
We cannot remain here for much
longer.
RONON
You see a way out?
TEYLA
(resigned)
No. We were lucky to find cover
here. There is no guarantee we
would be so lucky again.
RONON
Good thing I don't rely on luck.
Ronon pops up and squeezes off two shots from his weapon
before falling back to the ground. The man Ronon shot at
takes cover behind his tree again letting it absorb the
impact.
RONON (CONT'D)
Did I hit him?
TEYLA
No. He took cover.
RONON
Lucky.
TEYLA
Would you mind if I call for
support now?
A shot from the bad guys hits near Ronon, covering him in
tree splinters.
RONAN
(deadpan)
Feel free.
INT. STARGATE OPERATIONS - DAY
SHEPPARD is zipping up his field vest when 6 MARINES come up
to him. The stargate has already been dialed up and shimmers
like a pool of water.
SHEPPARD
We got two of our own taking heavy
fire. They have cover but it won't
last and they're two klicks from
the gate. So we double-time it to
them. Any questions?
The marines are motionless but seem eager to get through the
gate. Sheppard chambers a round into his P-90.
SHEPPARD (CONT'D)
Strong silent types. I like that.
(beat)
Let's go!
Sheppard turns and steps into the event horizon.
PLAY WORMHOLE TRAVEL STOCK FOOTAGE
EXT. FOREST - DAY
ON STARGATE
Sheppard steps out of the stargate event horizon, closely
followed by the 6 marines that met with him earlier. They
file out past him and take up defensive positions around the
gate.
BACK TO SCENE
Sheppard moves away from the gate and taps his headset radio.
SHEPPARD
(into radio)
Teyla, Ronon, come in, over.
TEYLA
(over radio)
John, it is good to hear your
voice.
Over the radio, behind Teyla's voice we hear rapid energy
blasts.
SHEPPARD
(into radio)
Yeah, yours too. What's your
status?
INTERCUT:
EXT. FOREST CLEARING - DAY
Ronon comes down onto the ground HARD, followed by numerous
BLUE ENERGY BLASTS. He's grinning widely.
TEYLA
Sheppard requests a status update.
RONON
We're just a having some fun,
that's all.
TEYLA
(into radio)
Did you get that?
Sheppard rolls his eyes and moves forward, motioning for the
marines to follow.
SHEPPARD
(into radio)
I got that. Keep your head down.
I've got a team of marines with me
and we're coming to you.
Teyla sits still while Ronon does his best to keep the bad
guys at bay. This usually means firing blindly over his
shoulder or popping up and down quickly to try to get off a
lucky shot.
TEYLA
(into radio)
We'll be here.
RONON
How far out are they?
TEYLA
Sheppard did not say. They cannot
be far from the stargate.
RONON
We have to do something.
TEYLA
Is that wise? We're outnumbered
and our cover is poor as it is.
RONON
It's not going to take long for
them to realize we can't move and
they position themselves to flank
us.
TEYLA
What is it you suggest?
RONON
What is it Sheppard says about a
good defense?
TEYLA
Sheppard says a lot of things that
do not make sense.
The grin on Ronon's face tells Teyla there's no convincing
him otherwise. It doesn't make things any better that he's
probably right. Then, at that moment, the firing stops.
Ronon peeks through a gap in their cover and
RONON'S POV
sees a man gesturing wildly, telling his men to move out.
BACK TO SCENE
TEYLA (CONT'D)
What do you see?
RONON
They're moving to flank. It's now
or we die.
TEYLA
Okay. I'll cover you.
Ronon and Teyla come up out of their cover and open fire.
Ronon takes out the man giving the gestures in a single shot.
He swings his gun around in time to see another man take aim
at Teyla. He grabs her shoulder in an attempt to move her
from danger.
RONON
Get down!
It's too late. Teyla takes a BLUE ENERGY SHOT directly to
her chest.
The kinetic energy throws her back and into Ronon. Ronon
catches himself, and Teyla, and takes out the man that shot
Teyla with a shot of his own. But the odds are too great
against and Ronon takes two BLUE ENERGY BLASTS - one to his
chest and another to his spine. His expression falls and his
body follows.
MOMENTS LATER:
EXT. FOREST CLEARING - DAY
Sheppard and his marines come upon the clearing Ronon and
Teyla were holed up. They see 4 MEN in the center standing
over something. One of the men is crouched down, attending
to something on the ground.
Sheppard motions for the marines to circle the position.
Once the marines are where they need to be Sheppard radios
Teyla.
SHEPPARD
(whispering into radio)
Teyla, we're in position, what's
your status?
There's no answer. Sheppard curses under his breath and
checks his cover before calling out to the strange men.
SHEPPARD (CONT'D)
You are surrounded. Put down your-
He can't finish the sentence before the 4 men open fire into
the forest.
SHEPPARD (CONT'D)
Take them down!
Together Sheppard and the marines make short work of the
remaining men.
SHEPPARD (CONT'D)
(motioning)
Check your fire! Check your fire!
There's no movement in the clearing.
SHEPPARD (CONT'D)
Move forward!
Everyone comes out from their cover and into the clearing.
Sheppard addresses a marine near him.
SHEPPARD (CONT'D)
Check the bodies.
The marine complies and goes off. Sheppard keeps his gaze
out into the forest.
MARINE 1
Medic!
Sheppard turns as another marine rushes to the first marine's
position. The medic quickly gets to work on a body.
Sheppard moves to his position.
SHEPPARD
What is it?
The medic looks up, his face like stone.
MARINE MEDIC
I'm sorry, sir. They're gone.
ANGLE ON TEYLA AND RONON
The medic pulls his fingers away from Teyla's neck. Teyla
and Ronon both, their bodies, are limp and lifeless.
BACK TO SCENE
On Sheppard's expression we...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASERSpoiler:
Code: Select all
ACT 1
FADE IN:
MAIN TITLES
EXT. FOREST CLEARING - DAY
A FULL MEDICAL TEAM from Atlantis is on the scene. As well
as more marines. DR. KELLER is talking to some of her staff
then comes over to Sheppard, who is keeping to himself off to
the side, his face pained.
KELLER
Colonel?
SHEPPARD
Any news?
KELLER
No, I'm sorry. I'm sure we'll
learn more back on Atlantis.
(beat)
Their clothes are burned where...
She sees Sheppard's expression and let's her voice trail off.
KELLER (CONT'D)
I'm sorry, John.
SHEPPARD
(sharply)
Yeah, I'm hearing that a lot
lately, Doc.
Keller, feeling the rebuke, pulls back and turns to walk
away. Sheppard realizes his mistake and is quick to stop
Keller from leaving.
SHEPPARD (CONT'D)
I'm sorry. That wasn't fair.
You're just trying to help and
I'm... being an ***.
KELLER
No, it's okay. I know you were
close to both of them. Many people
on Atlantis were. This won't be
easy for anyone.
SHEPPARD
Right. I know.
KELLER
(carefully)
Listen, John, if you need to
talk...
SHEPPARD
Thanks but I wouldn't bother you
like-
KELLER
Me? Oh, no, I wasn't talking about
me. There's Doctor-
SHEPPARD
Heightmeyer, right!
KELLER
I mean, if you wanted to talk to me
I'd be fine with it. I don't mind.
I just thought you might be more
comfortable... with a professional.
SHEPPARD
You're right. You're absolutely
right. I'll think about that.
Thanks.
KELLER
Okay. Good.
(beat)
My team and I are heading back.
Anything I should tell Colonel
Carter?
SHEPPARD
We're going to do a search of the
immediate area, see if anything
turns up.
KELLER
What about the village?
SHEPPARD
Teyla said her people knew them. I
think it would be best if we talk
to a few Athosians before we hit
the village.
(beat)
She might not have known them as
well as she thought.
KELLER
Right. That's a good idea.
(concerned)
See you on Atlantis later then?
SHEPPARD
Yeah. I don't want to be here
longer than I have to.
Keller walks away leaving Sheppard to his thoughts.
SOMETIME LATER:
EXT. FOREST - DAY (WITH SHEPPARD)
Sheppard is walking through the forest letting the nose of
his P-90 lead the way. His eyes dart back and forth scouring
the ground for near-invisible details that might give him a
clue as to what happened and why.
MARINE 1
(over radio)
Colonel Sheppard come in, over.
Sheppard takes a knee, tree defending his back, and clicks on
his headset. He never averts his gaze from the horizon -
ever watchful.
SHEPPARD
(into radio)
This is Sheppard. What have you
got?
EXT. FOREST - DAY (WITH MARINE)
The marine is standing away from the body of one of the men
that was attacking Teyla and Ronon. Another marine is
inspecting the corpse.
MARINE 1
(into radio)
We've found a body a few hundred
yards from the battle site. Looks
like he took a hit and crawled
away.
SHEPPARD
(over radio)
What hit him?
MARINE 1
(into radio)
An energy weapon.
The size of the hole reminds me of
Ronon's hand cannon.
(beat)
But if this guy made it this far
out we don't know if anyone else
could be out here. Or how many.
EXT. FOREST - DAY (WITH SHEPPARD)
Sheppard considers his options then decides a course of
action.
SHEPPARD
(into radio)
Okay, get your team together and
get back to Atlantis. I'm going to
look around some more.
(beat)
Tell Colonel Carter I'll be back in
an hour. Sheppard out.
With that Sheppard moves on.
LATER:
EXT. FOREST - DAY (WITH SHEPPARD)
Through a NUMBER OF CUTS we follow Sheppard making his way
through the forest as quietly, but quickly, as he can until
he reaches the edge.
SHEPPARD'S POV
In the DISTANCE we can make out a small village. Several
PLUMES OF SMOKE are rising from it. It could just be from
mundane sources, or evidence of something more sinister. We
can't tell from this vantage.
BACK TO SCENE
Sheppard considers his options as we...
FADE TO:
EXT. ATLANTIS - DAY
The ocean laps lazily at the edges of the city on this
beautiful sunny day.
CUT TO:
INT. ATLANTIS - MEDICAL BAY
CRANE SHOT FROM ABOVE COMING DOWN
MEDICAL TECHNICIANS are moving equipment around as quickly as
they can muster while six bodies are wheeled in on gurneys by
marines.
KELLER (O.S.)
No, I want those two over...
CRANE TURNS ONTO KELLER
Keller is the last into the room, squeezing past a marine
moving the gurney with Teyla on it, and pulls back a curtain
revealing a small, clean workspace.
KELLER
I want Teyla and Ronon over here.
The MARINES comply and roll them both into the space then
leave.
KELLER (CONT'D)
Thank you.
A medical technician approaches Keller.
MED TECH
Doctor Keller, what do you want us
to do with the others?
KELLER
Go over them with a fine toothed
comb. If there's anything on them
that might tell us what happened we
need to find it. Check their
blood, check their clothes, check
their DNA, hair, fingers and toes.
Check everything. This takes top
priority.
The med tech nods and goes off to a huddled group of other
med techs and passes on the orders. Keller turns and regards
Teyla and Ronon's bodies.
KELLER (CONT'D)
(to herself)
This takes top priority.
FADE TO:
INT. STARGATE OPERATIONS - CARTER'S OFFICE
A marine is standing at ease in front of CARTER'S desk and
she herself is standing. MCKAY enters as she dismisses the
marine.
CARTER
Thank you. You're dismissed.
The marine snaps off a crisp salute, one Cater returns, and
turns on his heel and exits past McKay who offers a quick
greeting.
MCKAY
Hey.
The marine doesn't reply and moves on.
MCKAY (CONT'D)
What's his problem?
CARTER
He's taking it pretty hard, that's
all.
MCKAY
(puzzled)
Taking what hard?
CARTER
You haven't heard?
MCKAY
Heard what?
(beat)
I've been trying this sensory
depravation exercise I read about
awhile back and I have to tell you
it's really remarkable.
(beat)
You see, you shut out all external
sensory input for short periods of
time and it's supposed to help
focus the mind.
(beat)
Of course it has to be for really,
really short periods of time
because, as I'm sure you know, it
is a means of torture and will
cause even the most strong willed
people to blubber like a baby in no
time at all. But I'm fairly
certain in short sessions it may-
Carter puts her hand up to stop him.
CARTER
McKay...
MCKAY
Hmm?
CARTER
(gently)
It's Ronon and Teyla.
MCKAY
(oblivious)
What about them?
CARTER
They were attacked, Rodney. They
didn't make it.
MCKAY
(laughing)
You are talking about our Ronon and
Teyla, right?
(motioning)
You know, the big guy with the big
arms, carries a big gun. And the
plucky girl... hits hard.
CARTER
I'm sorry, McKay. Sheppard and his
team got there too late to do
anything.
McKay is stunned into silence and takes a seat.
MCKAY
Oh my God. I, I can't believe
this.
(beat)
Do you know how?
CARTER
Doctor Keller is going over
their... them now. She'll report
her findings as soon as she's found
something.
MCKAY
Sheppard?
CARTER
He's still in the field.
MCKAY
Oh. Right.
(wryly)
First Carson now Teyla and Ronon.
Not a long life expectancy here,
huh?
CARTER
(sympathetic)
Rodney...
MCKAY
Would you look at that? I made a
joke. Not a good joke, yes, but a
joke nonetheless. Humor can be a
form of denial so I guess I'm right
on schedule with that whole grief
thing.
CARTER
Do you want me to contact Doctor
Heightmeyer?
MCKAY
No, no... that's okay. I know
where to find her. We go back.
Had a woman in me once. Well, not
in me but her consciousness in my
mind. It was unnerving but I think
I took away something positive from
the experience.
(beat)
You know I kissed Carson, right?
Well, it wasn't me, it was her, but
it was still my body.
CARTER
Rodney.
MCKAY
Right. There I go again. More of
that denial bit. Keep talking and
maybe it won't be real. I get it.
CARTER
If you need anything you know you
only have to ask.
OFF SCREEN we hear the stargate dialing up.
CARTER (CONT'D)
That's should be Sheppard and his
team. I'm sure he'd like to see a
friendly face.
MCKAY
Me? Oh, right.
McKay and Carter leave the office and...
TRACKING:
INT. STARGATE OPERATIONS
We follow them into Stargate Operations proper.
ON STARGATE
The last symbol lights and the event horizon forms in the
sideways flush we've all seen.
BACK TO SCENE
Carter and McKay walk up behind a MAN OPERATING the stargate
controls.
CARTER
Sheppard?
OPERATOR
His team.
CARTER
What do you mean? Where's
Sheppard?
OPERATOR
You should ask them.
ON STARGATE
Sheppard's marine team exits the gate and it disengages as
soon as the last soldier is back.
SWISH PAN TO STAIRS UP TO STARGATE OPERATIONS
Carter and McKay both come down the stairs and stop in front
of the MARINE TEAM.
CARTER
Report, Lieutenant.
MARINE 1
We found another body out there,
Ma'am. Looked like he took a hit
from Ronon's weapon and crawled
away but given we don't know how
many hostiles were engaged in the
battle Colonel Sheppard ordered us
back to Atlantis.
MCKAY
That sounds smart.
CARTER
The Colonel's status?
MARINE 1
He said he was going to investigate
further and be back in an hour.
(looks at watch)
That was 10 minutes ago.
CARTER
Thank you, Lieutenant. You and
your men are dismissed.
The marine nods and he and his men file past and OFF SCREEN.
CARTER (CONT'D)
(to Operator)
Dial up Sheppard. I want to know
what he's doing.
The operator nods and OFF SCREEN we HEAR the stargate being
dialed.
EXT. VILLAGE - AFTERNOON
ESTABLISHING WIDE ON VILLAGE
It's the same village Sheppard spotted earlier, but with more
PLUMES OF SMOKE.
INT. VILLAGE - AFTERNOON
Sheppard is darting between small huts trying to avoid being
seen. It's rather easy as there doesn't appear to be anyone
around. Doors to huts are wide open and various objects,
baskets, tables, chairs, et al, are strewn about the ground
like a riot just cleared out.
CRANE ON VILLAGE SQUARE FROM ABOVE.
There's a roaring fire in the center of the wide open square.
To the LEFT OF FRAME we see Sheppard, P-90 at the ready,
sneaking up on the edge of a hut, just hidden from view.
TIGHT ON SHEPPARD
He raises his weapon to aim and peeks around the corner.
SHEPPARD'S POV
Nothing. It's like a ghost town. Tumbleweed blowing through
would almost seem appropriate.
BACK TO SCENE
Sheppard moves back to the cover of the hut and looks lost
for a moment before his radio goes off.
CARTER
(over radio)
Sheppard, this is Atlantis, please
report.
Sheppard gets a look on his face like he's just been caught
with his hand in the cookie jar.
SHEPPARD
(into radio)
Atlantis, this is Sheppard, nothing
to report at the moment.
Everything is quiet.
INTERCUT:
INT. STARGATE OPERATIONS
Carter is standing next to the operator and looking out into
the empty space between herself and the stargate. McKay is
listening intently.
CARTER
Your team arrived just a few
moments ago. They tell me you
ordered them back because of
possible hostiles in the area.
SHEPPARD
(over speakers)
That is correct.
CARTER
And you thought it was safe for you
to stay back. Alone? Please
explain that to me, Colonel.
Sheppard, growing desperate for an excuse, looks around and
his gaze falls to the ground.
ON GROUND AT SHEPPARD'S FEET
There's a large log and clumps of dry leaves and other
debris.
BACK TO SCENE
Sheppard crouches down and take a pile of leaves into his
hands and begins rolling it in his palms near the microphone
of his radio.
SHEPPARD
(into radio)
Atlantis... signal... up... please
repeat... can't...
The noise on Atlantis' end sounds like some kind of
interference but McKay looks more puzzled than anyone else.
CARTER
(to Operator)
What is that?
OPERATOR
Seems like some kind of
interference but it's not
originating on our end.
MCKAY
(motioning)
It sounds like he's crunching dry
leaves or something next to the
transmitter.
Carter's face goes red. McKay sees her reaction and realizes
that's exactly what Sheppard is doing and Carter knows it.
MCKAY (CONT'D)
He's crunching leaves next to the
transmitter. That's mature.
CARTER
Colonel Sheppard, whatever you're
trying to do will only succeed in
getting you killed.
Sheppard is still crouched and rubbing leaves in his palms
near his microphone when he hears A COMMOTION around the
corner, toward the village square.
SHEPPARD
(into radio - quickly)
Not receiving... try... hours.
Sheppard clicks off his radio and peeks around the corner.
SHEPPARD'S POV
He sees a LARGE MAN, wearing similar clothing as the men that
killed Teyla and Ronon, chasing A BOY no older than 12
through the village square. And they're coming right in his
direction.
BACK TO SCENE
Sheppard looks at his P-90 then decides against using the
weapon.
SHEPPARD (CONT'D)
Crap.
He glances back then looks around again for options. He
spots the log and picks it up, testing its weight.
SHEPPARD (CONT'D)
Yes. This should work.
He presses up hard against the side of the hut and readies
the log. Shortly, the boy rounds the corner and Sheppard
sticks out his foot to trip him. The boy tumbles to the
ground and with all his strength Sheppard swings the log into
the face of the boy's assailant.
The man doesn't stand a chance and is instantly knocked out.
While Sheppard is making sure the man is out the boy recovers
and is scrambling to his feet. Sheppard quickly goes to him
and pulls him up by an arm. The boy starts screaming and
flailing.
EDORAS
Let go of me! Let go of me!
He lands a solid kick onto Sheppard's shin. Sheppard jumps
but doesn't lose grip of the boy.
SHEPPARD
(harshly)
Will you stop that! Do you want
everyone to find you?
Edoras calms and regards Sheppard cautiously.
EDORAS
You're not one of them? You're not
going to take me?
SHEPPARD
If I were why would I take that guy
out? Right?
EDORAS
Right...
SHEPPARD
Good. If I let go are you gonna
stay put?
Edoras nods.
SHEPPARD (CONT'D)
Okay.
Sheppard lets go and watches the kid for a moment expecting
him to bolt. When he doesn't he turns his attention to his
own wounded shin.
SHEPPARD (CONT'D)
That hurt.
EDORAS
(regarding the knocked out
man)
I thought you were one of them.
SHEPPARD
Who are they?
EDORAS
You don't know? They're
everywhere.
SHEPPARD
Well, I get around. Can't seem to
stay in one place to long.
(beat)
So?
EDORAS
They're slave traders.
SHEPPARD
What?
EDORAS
We came to this world a few
generations ago trying to escape
them. We thought we made it far
enough. That they wouldn't find
us.
SHEPPARD
So they took everyone in your
village?
EDORAS
No, not everyone. A lot escaped
into the forest. But my family did
not. And some other families.
SHEPPARD
Slavers. Great.
EDORAS
(excited)
You have to help! You have to save
them! There isn't much time.
SHEPPARD
Whoa there fella. I don't know
what you think but dropping one
thug chasing a kid is a lot
different then taking on bunch of
guys with guns.
EDORAS
But if they get off the planet I'll
never see them again.
SHEPPARD
Listen, I have people that can
help. If we can get to the
stargate I-
EDORAS
It'll be too late. If they get
back to the other traders they'll
come in more ships. They'll find
everyone. Can your people stop all
of them?
SHEPPARD
Well I don't know about that...
EDORAS
(resigned)
Then we're all dead. It would have
been better if you let him take me.
Edoras goes to walk away but Sheppard grabs his arm again.
SHEPPARD
Fine. I'll see what I can do.
EDORAS
Really!?
CLOSE ON SHEPPARD'S FACE
He knows what he's about to do is wildly stupid but he
doesn't see another option.
SHEPPARD
Yeah. Really.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT 1