Sorry I haven't changed, sir. The message said it was urgent.
Hello again, Major Carter.
Warrick.
- It's good to see you again. - You too. What brings you here?
When last we spoke, you reiterated your desire for access to Serrakin technology.
Yes, of course.
Yet diplomacy between our respective leadership has been slow to develop.
- I'm sure they're just being cautious. - As I told Hammond and Dr Jackson,
I am here to offer you full access to the ion propulsion engine on the Seberus.
Well, that's great.
- Sir, this could... - I read your report, Major.
I won't debate the value of the technology, but there's more.
In return, I would like your help...
to win a race.
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.
A contract?
It is a time-tested method to find the most able 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.
The government of your planet is letting you share advanced technology with us
in exchange for us helping you to win a race?
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,
and what you learn while you're there...
So, unofficially.
- How can we help? - Major!
Can't hurt to ask, can it, sir?
The power you used to recharge the Seberus when I was stranded...
- A naqahdah generator. - The Seberus has been through a lot.
But my diagnostic analysis of its systems showed greatly improved efficiency
when supplemented by the naqahdah generator.
I'd like to participate.
Well, actually, I was not asking you to join me.
Why not? I'll have to interface the generator.
Could you not just show me?
Naqahdah generators are valuable to us. We won't let one out of our sight.
Besides, you never know what issues could arise on the fly.
I feel compelled to warn you of the danger. It's not for the fainthearted.
We take risks to attain advanced technology all the time.
For me, there'd be no better way to learn about your ship than to see it in action.
A victory would mean a great deal to me.
I am not above accepting your offer.
With your approval, sir.
Major, I expect you to evaluate the risk of this mission on an ongoing basis
- and act accordingly. - As always, sir.
- Hey. - Hey.
- You ready? - Yeah, just about.
Warrick has set us up some meetings with high-ranking members of his government.
- I bet O'Neill's looking forward to that. - Oh, yeah.
- You really think this is worth it? - Absolutely.
Why, don't you?
No... Yeah... I just...
- You just seem unusually gung ho. - Gung ho?
This is more than about attaining new technology for you.
You mean helping Warrick? He did once risk his life for me.
Yeah, I heard that.
I think there's something else.
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...
Fun?
- What's a girl to do? - Nothing. That's just what I thought.
I'm Ardal Hadraig.
Welcome back to TCNN's exclusive coverage of the 59th Loop of Kon Garat.
With the Loop set to begin tomorrow,
we have a startling new development to report.
Perennial also-ran Warrick Finn announced today
that his copilot will be a human from the planet we've come to know as Earth.
Major Carter's participation will mark the first inclusion of an alien in Loop history.
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.
The question on everyone's mind is
will these earthlings bring Warrick luck a second time around?
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.
May I introduce you all to Eamon?
He is responsible for making the Seberus what it is today.
And he is my younger brother.
Ah, yes. I see the family resemblance.
It's uncanny, boys.
It's like...
- Colonel Jack O'Neill. This is... - You just had to do it, didn't you?
Eamon...
- You think we'd lose without their help? - Eamon!
They saved my life and are responsible for my getting back home to Hebridan.
- I suggest you show some respect. - My apologies.
I am honoured to meet my brother's saviours.
And you must be Major Carter. The one without whom we could not win the Loop.
You know, I feel all warm and fuzzy. How about you?
Major Carter, if you are to be my copilot, you'll need to know how the ship works.
- What is this? - The operations manual for the Seberus.
- I had it translated for you. - Thank you.
That's not our language.
It's mine, sir.
Right.
The long-range scanner control unit didn't come in again today.
- When I called, they said our credit... - I will go and pick one up,
after I escort Colonel O'Neill, Dr Jackson and Teal'c to our capitol building.
- T, you coming? - Carter requested I remain to assist her.
- She did? - I did?
Indeed.
Right. Yes, thank you.
I do not wish to disappoint Major Carter.
Yes, I know the feeling.
- Shall we? - Stay in touch.
- I am in your debt, Major Carter. - Indeed.
With all your science, I'm surprised you don't have a power source that rivals this.
Oh, they exist. We just couldn't afford one.
Ah.
- Warrick is desperate, Major. - How do you mean?
He was gone a long time. We all thought he was dead.
His wife, Athea, remarried, and has children of her own now.
Since his return, work has been scarce.
He thinks this race is his chance to get his life back,
and he will do anything to win it.
- What about you? - Me?
I work for Tech Con.
I design garbage disposal units for their food service division.
Need I say more?
- No. - Eamon, I'm back.
- Did you get the... - No. They just transmitted the race data.
Tech Con Group - progress and people working in total harmony.
I'm Miles Hagan, President of Tech Con Group.
I wish to welcome you as an official contestant to the Loop of Kon Garat.
Congratulations on qualifying.
As always, the Loop will run through a course that consists of four stages.
- Defence... - We know the course. Skip to the competition.
Let's meet your fellow pilots, shall we?
I don't believe it. Jarlath.
Jarlath?
I know him from my days of transporting convicts.
He was caught running illegal weapons. I thought he was in prison.
- Looks like he's been paroled. - He's not our biggest problem.
La'el Montrose, independent cargo runner from the Parallel Colonies.
Her ship is very fast. And worse still...
- Hm. Muirios. - His skill as a pilot is legendary.
- Can we beat him? - You'll lose in the navigation phase
without a long-range scanner control unit.
I will get one.
What's this?
Expensive.
Hello, Warrick. Who's your friend?
Hi. Major Samantha Carter.
Ah, one of the earthlings.
I heard about you.
We're here for the scanner control unit.
- Look, Warrick... - Taupen.
I'm running a business, not a charity.
Your credit's been over the maximum for months.
The best chance of my paying you back is for me to win.
I'm sorry, Warrick. I can't give you a new one, but you're in luck.
I just picked up this reconditioned unit this morning.
It should work fine.
I will take it. Thank you.
- I promise. I will settle up things after... - After you lose.
You don't think he's good for it, do you?
He doesn't stand a chance of winning the Loop.
Jarlath.
Still avoiding personal hygiene, I see.
Who's your friend, Warrick?
She looks nice.
Golon Jarlath, Captain of the Oran, very much at your service.
Ignore him, Major.
Stay out of my way, Warrick, or I'll blow your pathetic ship to pieces.
Warrick.
You're right. He is not worth it.
That's it. We're done.
She's ready.
Do you believe the Seberus can win this race?
I'd like to think we'd have won without the naqahdah. With it, I'd guarantee it.
Hungry?
That depends.
I'm sure we can find something that will suit you.
With the Loop set to begin only minutes from now,
I'm joined by race expert and two-time champion Coyle Boron.
Coyle, what's going through the pilots' minds right now?
Well, at the starting buoys there's nothing else to do but run your preflight check
and hope all your hard work pays off. It's a tense time.
There's no question the stakes are high.
The 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?
You gotta like this kid Muirios.
He's got the talent and the ship to take it all.
What about Warrick and the human woman? Any potential for an upset?
They don't stand a chance.
Well, the gaming experts agree. You can wager on the outcome
at any of Tech Con Group's friendly gaming kiosks,
conveniently located throughout urban centres near you.
Tech Con Gaming Kiosks - if you don't play, you definitely won't win.
I'm getting the feeling that even a long look at an ion drive isn't enough.
We'll need a compression coil to have any chance of reproducing the technology.
If we win, I'll buy you one.
If we win?
Prepare for race start. All pilots check in now.
Flight Control, this is the Seberus, preparing for race start.
- What do you want, Jarlath? - Just to tell you to drop out now
and save that worthless junk barge you call a ship from being destroyed.
- Eat greeven, Jarlath. - You piece of...
- Greeven? - Don't ask.
This is Tech Con Flight Control. Stand by for race start.
Ready or not,
here... we... go.
The first stage is a test of each ship's defence capabilities.
Against what?
- Those things are firing at us. - Yes.
Bring aft shields to full.
- That is auxiliary power. - Right.
- Shields are holding. - Captain Shibo of the "Tritan".
Losing shield power. Key systems are failing.
Tritan, this is Warrick on the Seberus.
Siphon primary power from your regulator and boost your shield strength.
I can't. I've lost my interchange unit.
I...
Tritan, hold on. We're on our way to assist.
Too late. My engines are fried. I'm out, Warrick. Thanks anyway.
- Is he gonna be OK? - Drones cease firing if a ship is disabled.
That's it, we're clear.
Anyone ever die in this race?
- I told you it was dangerous. - I know.
Are there no events such as this on Earth where humans risk their lives?
- Yeah, a few. - No matter how much winning may mean,
I'd never intentionally endanger your life. This ship...
- What now? I thought we were clear. - Stage two.
We're entering the coronasphere of our sun.
It disturbs the communication and navigation equipment.
Eamon has designed shielding specifically for this phase.
And so, after stage one, Muirios has the lead,
followed closely by La'el Montrose and Golon Jarlath.
The "Oran" made quick work of those drones.
- We've got stage two coming up fast. - That would be the coronasphere.
It's made up of ionised gases, so you fly though a layer of translucent plasma.
- Wow. Sounds hot. - At this stage it's all about the shields.
Does your ship have what it takes to survive that intense heat?
- And if it doesn't? - You'd be instantly vaporised.
Interesting. In a horrifying sense!
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- Initiating coronaspheric shielding. - Communication systems are inoperative.
They will come back.
- What's going on? - I do not know.
We are losing engine power.
Teal'c, Eamon.
We are sending a distress signal. Our key systems are inoperative.
- Engines are failing. - How does one respond?
Here.
- Major Carter, come in. - We can no longer maintain...
They've lost all primary power.
They're in trouble.
Auxiliary power will not engage. We are on emergency storage cells.
- What are you doing? - The blast shields will block the radiation.
So much for not risking your life.
- What happened? - The power diverter overloaded.
- Can you fix it? - No.
Major Carter, Captain Warrick, do you read me?
- We're here. Can you hear us? - Are you all right?
The power diverter overloaded.
Impossible. I ran a full diagnostic three hours before the race.
Unless...
Unless what?
It's hard to tell with all the damage, but if someone cut the link to the system...
- Somebody did this on purpose? - They'd need knowledge of the systems.
I think they knew exactly where to hit us and how to cover their tracks.
- Eamon, we're being pulled to the sun. - I know.
Bypass the diverter and manually regulate power to the engines with the accelerator.
- It's dangerous. - More dangerous than flying into a sun?
We have to reconnect the naqahdah generator in order to bypass the diverter
and supply power directly to the engines.
- How much time do we have? - Not much.
And so, out of the ten 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?
Warrick Finn and his alien copilot have slipped back into last place.
- They ran into trouble during stage two. - That's right, Ardal.
Latest updates place them dangerously close to the sun.
Warrick must be disappointed to be facing certain defeat so early in the race.
You got that right. This is the moment where every pilot has to dig deep
in that reservoir of desire and fortitude if they want to win.
It sounds like maybe they could use a couple of bottles of Radon Shield 55,
new from Tech Con Cosmetics.
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Someone must have snuck in here, got into the ship.
- Who would know the ship well enough? - No one.
The Seberus is a common model, but I've customised it significantly.
Unless someone accessed the schematics on my computer at Tech Con.
I'm done.
Me too.
- Let's hope this works. - If it doesn't?
We fall into the sun and burn up, or worse.
- Worse? - We could explode right now.
Oh.
Here goes.
Let's get out of here.
Teal'c, we've got the power back online.
That is good to hear, Major Carter.
- I can't believe it. - What is it?
- Someone did access my computer. - Who?
His name is Del Tynan. He's my supervisor.
I can't tell exactly what he got.
If we're gonna prove anything, we need to go to Tech Con.
They won't let you in without clearance. You'll need a hat.
Three more ships have pulled out, and we've fallen far behind the others.
If you wish we can drop out now and avoid any further risk.
Carter? You there?
Colonel, sir.
I got it to work. How's it going up there?
We had some trouble, but we're fine now.
- You sure? - Yeah. How's it going down there?
Uh, good. We're gonna help them bring a Stargate here.
In exchange, we get an ion drive to study.
- Really? - Yes. So no need to take any chances.
I made a deal. I'm sticking with it.
Oh, having fun are we, Carter?.
Um, gotta go. We're pretty far behind at this point.
All right. Be careful.
- We will. Thank you. - You're welcome.
OK. If we use the gravity of the sun to slingshot us around back onto the course,
we could pick up enough speed to get back into the race.
Brilliant.
- Hi, Eamon. - Hello.
This is my cousin...
- Murray. - Mm. Twice removed.
I just forgot a data unit in my office. Won't be long.
You have to scan in. Company policy.
- Sorry your brother isn't doing very well. - Oh, me too.
Nice to meet you, Murray.
- This is Tynan's office. - Does he not keep his office secure?
The company philosophy encourages mutual trust.
Besides, no one is going to steal his plants.
Everything of value is in here. The system is protected by a secret pass code.
Fortunately, I put a program on my system
that records an intruder's pass code if someone attempts to access my files.
Then it is good you do not subscribe to the company philosophy.
Mm.
This is an automated distress signal. The following pilot:
- Jarlath. - ..Is in need of assistance.
Current status is:
Die, you rotting scrap of jetsam!
This is worse than I thought. He has schematics for every ship in the race.
For the purpose of sabotaging the competition.
But not this one.
It has boosters from Tech Con's prototype division.
A private-sector pilot could not buy these.
- To whom does that ship belong? - Muirios.
Tynan has set him up to win.
We have to warn Warrick.
I don't think so.
Oran, this is the Seberus responding to your distress call. Jarlath, do you read?
- Warrick? - We're close by. What is your status?
My status is mind your own business.
- You sent out a distress call. - No, my computer did. Everything is fine.
Transmission indicates your life support is failing.
My oxygen supply vented.
That is what you get for having no shields. The drones must have caused a leak.
Shut up, Warrick. Go back to losing the race.
You'll die if you don't let us help.
I don't need help, least of all from you.
What about emergency reserves?
I don't have any. I needed the room for additional weapons.
Imbecile.
I would rather die kissing space debris than board that barge you call a ship.
He does not want to be rescued.
Jarlath, hold on. We'll be there soon.
I am not coming up there.
We tried.
Come on!
Can you move any slower?
You don't think you can still win, do you?
We are only this far behind because we were sabotaged.
A likely excuse.
- So was I, by the way. - How so?
The drones didn't cause the leak in my life support. I was never hit.
- Somebody fixed the whole race? - It is not over yet.
What planet do you live on?
Told you we should have left him to die.
Teal'c, do you read? Teal'c, you still at Tech Con?
This is unfortunate. You were a good employee, Eamon.
- How could you do this? - How could I?
How could I not?
Your new friend here doesn't want you to know the Serrakin are not to be trusted.
The Serrakin freed your ancestors from the Goa'uld.
For what purpose, hm? Sharing technology? Living in harmony?
All lies.
The Serrakin are seizing control of our world, piece by piece,
taking power and opportunity away from pureblood humans,
polluting our race by crossbreeding, weakening it, by design.
Don't you see? The Serrakin are no better than the Goa'uld.
This is insane. Our society was built by both races, for the good of all Hebridians.
Is that why Serrakin hold all the highest positions
and humans are like second-class citizens?
That's not true!
When Hagan finds out...
Hagan is one of the primary architects of human oppression on this planet.
The winner of the Loop will be a pure human. And that's merely the first step.
You're just mad because you've been passed over for advancement three times.
You think I'm the only one? There are enough of us to make a difference.
Has it occurred to you maybe the reason you've been passed over so many times
is not because you're a human, but because you're a moron?
I am doing this to save my kind from the likes of you.
I guess not.
Welcome back to TCNN's continuing coverage of the Loop of Kon Garat.
We have startling developments.
Warrick and Samantha Carter have re-entered the race with a vengeance,
and are now pulling into a close third position.
- What does this mean for Muirios? - He's had a commanding lead throughout.
He's gotta be wondering what Warrick has that let him make up that distance so fast.
Well, Coyle, perhaps he's using Ion Pro, a new engine additive
- from Tech Con Propulsion Systems. - Perhaps.
Ion Pro is guaranteed to improve drive performance, whatever class ship you fly.
Whether you're competing in the Loop of Kon Garat or 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.
- I can't let you inside without clearance. - We're looking for people in the building.
If you give me their names, I'll check.
- OK. One of them is named... - Eamon.
Eamon.
- And his cousin Murray? - Murray! Yes, that's them.
- Yes, they're here. - Can we come inside now?
No.
All right, here's what I'd like you to do.
Pick up that phone, call Mr Whoever-Runs-This-Place.
- Hagan. - I'm sorry, but I just can't...
We're old friends.
Tell him Mr Man-Who-Has-The-Stargate is here to see him. He'll understand.
Stargate.
Go ahead.
Buttons. Phone.
Mr Hagan, please.
Nice.
What are you going to do, Tynan? He's an alien. His people will miss him.
- Tynan, respond. - What is it, Muirios?
It's the "Seberus". Warrick is still in the race and he's gaining on my position.
Hard left!
What was that?
- You said left! - Oh, did I? Sorry.
This is a waste of time. We don't have a chance.
- You're gonna get us killed. - Shut up!
How did this happen? You said the "Seberus" would be disabled and I'd win.
You will win, Muirios. Just focus on what you have to do.
I'll take care of the Seberus.
Tynan calling the Seberus.
- I know you can hear me. - What do you want, Tynan?
I only intended to disable your ship, but your stubbornness has forced my hand.
I have your brother and one of the visitors from Earth,
so drop out of the race. Now.
Dr Jackson.
Colonel O'Neill.
I'm sorry to keep you waiting. What can I do for you?
We think a member of our group might somehow be lost inside your building
with one of your employees.
Lost? That seems unlikely.
Well, you gotta know the guy.
Of course. Come with me.
We were gaining on them. We had a chance.
You'll let a little thing like your brother's life stop you from winning the race?
Shut up.
Muirios, La'el Montrose is gaining on you.
- You were supposed to take care of her. - She must have overcome the problem.
- Lose her. - I'm trying.
Try harder. Do whatever you have to.
Get rid of them. Take them away.
Hello, Del.
Mr Hagan.
Nice outfit. You guys OK?
Indeed.
How many times have I told you, don't get caught by the bad guys?
How could you do this, Del?
He says he was defending his people from a Serrakin conspiracy to enslave humans.
I did what I had to. Your kind are a disease.
The only disease here is greed.
He was protecting the deal he made with Muirios, which I suspect was lucrative.
The reason you've been passed over for advancement
is because you've been under investigation for corruption for a year.
We couldn't prove anything, until now.
I intend to file a protest with the Employment Council.
Employment is the least of your worries right now, Del.
Warrick, Major Carter, it's Eamon. Are you there?
Eamon, are you all right? - Teal'c and I are safe.
Now get back in the race and win.
If you can.
- You must be out of your mind! - Do not say a word.
Major, give me all you've got.
Max power.
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.
Unless we can keep Muirios from crossing the finish line first.
- How can we do that? - That's easy.
Just get me close.
The closest we will get is when they double back past us after the final turn.
It'll have to do.
- What are you doing? - Rerouting the conduit from your device
and doubling it back through the communications array.
- Why? So we can ask him to lose? - 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's ship.
- You are even crazier than I thought. - Never was much of a pilot.
But weapons?
It's an art.
They're coming around the final turn.
- He's trying to take out La'el's ship. - I don't think so.
Well done.
Ah, don't make me sick.
Unbelievable! What a finish!
La'el Montrose has won the Loop of Kon Garat!
- What happened to Muirios? - It was his race to lose, and he lost it.
Some kind of beam weapon caused his ship's power to fail.
Opening the door for La'el Montrose to take it all.
You have got to love there are no rules in this race.
It's what makes this competition so special.
I must say, I haven't seen anything like it.
You must be particularly surprised, since you picked Muirios to win.
Yes, I was wrong about that.
You also said Warrick wouldn't be in contention,
and yet he came very close to finishing this race.
- I was wrong about that too. - Predictions for next year?.
Well, I'd rather not say!
Back with 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.
- Sorry we did not win. - It was still worth it.
Hey.
Warrick just told me the winner of the race hired him as copilot on her new contract.
- That's great. - Yeah, he sounded happy.
- You don't. - I'm fine.
- You still got that ion drive to study. - I know. Very cool.
- You're just sore that you lost. - Well, it wasn't fair.
Bunch of cheaters.
So what you gonna do?
Next year, I'm gonna kick butt.