"I guess they realized I'm more trouble than I'm worth."
"Funny, I said that the day we divorced."
We'd spent the next three days trying to get the bridge working well enough that I could get home. We'd done it, and I hadn't maimed McKay, a feat all on its own, which surprised me, but my counterpart had gotten a lot more work done on the bridge than McKay had in my universe. Have I mentioned, by the way, how much I hate alternate universes? That and time travel are the two biggest headaches I've had since the Stargate Program started ten years ago. At least I was finally going home.
"Alright, we're all set. You do know we can't be sure this will work right?"
Imagine that. A McKay that actually seemed concerned.
"I know there's a risk, Rodney, but I can't stay here. I need to get back to protect my earth against the Ori. You have Merlin's device. You're safe."
"You won't do them much good if you're dead, Sam."
I sighed, he was right, but I couldn't not take the chance. Getting this device working could be the only chance Earth had. Besides, people here are assholes. I like general Landry, even if he's no George Hammond, but President Landry was as slimy as Kinsey. Staying here? No thanks.
"Alright, alright I get it," Rodney said after a moment, "We're good to go. Good luck, Sam."
"Thanks. You'd better get out, I'm turning on the Force Shield."
He nodded and left and I kicked off the boot-up system. I have to say, in retrospect, it's strange to be the one going to an alternate universe. We've had other me's show up, but I hadn't really understood what they were going through. If this worked, and it should, it would be good to be home.
"Alright," Rodney's voice came over the intercom from the observation lounge, "we're all set here. I'm turning on my part. Whenever you're ready Sam. It was… good to meet you."
"You too, McKay. All right, I'm activating the device. Here I go. And, Rodney? Consider what I said. I think see what Sam—the other Sam--."
He sputtered, proving without a doubt that some things are constants no matter what universe you're in. I grinned and triggered the program before he had a chance to respond. My last thought was that it hadn't hurt this much when I'd done this the last time.