CROSSFADE TO
Daniel inside his quarters, packing various books and other items of importance into a large trunk.
SUPERIMPOSE: “SIX MONTHS LATER”
As Daniel places two final items – the photo of his foster parents along with a photo of his real ones – in the trunk, he hears a knocking at his door.
DANIEL: (bemused) Yeah, yeah – I’ll be ready in a second.
CATHERINE: (O.S.) It’s me, Daniel.
DANIEL: Oh! (turns to face the door) Come in.
The door opens and Catherine strides in. Closing the door, she crosses her arms across her chest.
CATHERINE: (smirks) I thought you didn’t like to travel.
DANIEL: (grins) I got over it. (losing the grin) Have you heard from Barbara or Meyers?
CATHERINE: (shakes her head) I haven’t been in contact with them since West fired them from the project. Why?
DANIEL: (waves his hand) Nevermind ….
CATHERINE: You’ve been having doubts, haven’t you?
DANIEL: Wouldn’t you?
CATHERINE: West may be pig-headed, but he isn’t stupid. If he had any concerns at all about your ability to decode the alien gate, he wouldn’t have been so quick to put you to the job.
DANIEL: I could have really used Barbara’s expertize, though. She’s an astrophysicist – she’s made it her life’s work to learn the physics behind things like the stargate.
CATHERINE: Understanding how the stargate works isn’t important. Understanding the physics behind the stargate isn’t important. What lies beyond the stargate – that is important. (beat) The first time I saw that ring being dragged out of the dust in Egypt, I knew something like this would happen – that there would be some incredible journey to be taken. And, naturally, I thought it would be I who would take it. (beat) But now I’ve grown a little too long in the tooth, so it’s going to be you instead of me. (beat) It has to be you.
Reaching around her neck, Catherine unfastens the gold pendant from around her neck, handing it over to Daniel.
CATHERINE: This was found with the stargate. It has always brought me luck.
DANIEL: (regards the beautifully crafted medallion) I can’t accept this.
CATHERINE: (begins stroking Daniel’s cheek) Bring it back to me.
Silently, Daniel accepts the gift. Turning the trinket over in his hands, his eyes go over to his desk, upon which rests the beautiful bust of the Egyptian woman.
DANIEL: Wait a second.
Stepping over to his desk, Daniel picks up the valuable piece of art. Turning back to Catherine, he hands her the bust.
DANIEL: You were right – this piece is from the 14th century BC. Take care of her for me.
Smiling, Catherine accepts the bust.