The Greater Good

By Ann3

Writer's Note: Aww, thanks so much for the first reviews ! And to reassure anonymous - don't worry, I am not killing Carson off !! Believe me, as Hypercaz will testify, I am every bit as stunned and angered by this decision to write Paul out of the series as you are.

I could say so much more, but... well, let's just say that those responsible have been left in no doubt, whatsoever, as what I think of it.

Okay, rant over - and for all those who are wondering what that 'painful decision' entails for our favourite couple - well, read on.

Word of warning, though - hankie and chocolate alert !! I know I needed both while writing it !

Chapter Two

United We Stand

Not for the first time, and, he silently prayed, not the last, Carson stood transfixed by the open Gate. Even now, the wormhole's beauty, rippling and winking like a sunlit ocean, filled him with awe.

Yearning, too. God, now, more than ever, that yearning to return to his former life pulled at his heart. His chance to do so, that precious link back to Earth's relative safety, stood just feet away from him.

By God, how many times had he felt tempted to do just that, return to the home he missed so much...? And how easy would it be, to take up Elizabeth's gently suggested offer and ensure his own safety...?

However strong that temptation, though, or understandable its selfishness, Carson simply couldn't do it. Yes, his first priority had been his family – ensuring, as best he could, their safety and survival. But as he'd agreed, so tearfully, with Laura the night before, his place was here, on Atlantis.

This was where he belonged. This was where his medical brilliance would be so sorely needed. And if fate had decreed Michael's return into his life... well, this was where he had to be to meet it.

So the offer she'd planned to re-make to him went unsaid as Elizabeth came to stand at his side – the quiet determination on her CMO's face already telling her that he'd not changed his mind.

Then again, she proudly reflected, she wouldn't have expected anything else from Dr Carson Beckett

Instead she returned his smile, nodding her understanding while gently slipping her hand into his. Yes, she was his leader, expected to follow all the detached protocols which such a role demanded. But for the next few minutes, when he most needed its strength, her friendship was needed more.

In fact, she now proudly noted, the whole family were there now, closing supportively around him. John Sheppard, as always, had led that family in, taking his brotherly place at Carson's shoulder.

Playing his part in keeping things as normal as possible, Rodney was munching on a sandwich – Teyla and Ronon shaking their heads, in humouring amusement, as they came to Carson's other side.

And, as ever, that family's supportive arrival had come with perfect, if still quietly anxious, timing – because Laura and Kate Buchanan had appeared too now, each carrying a snugly blanketed bundle.

A moment that Carson had already quietly dreaded – met, now, with a helpless gasp of startled alarm.

"Laura...! But you're still in your BDUs, lass, an'... I – I mean, I thought we'd agreed that you'd..."

"Go to the SGC with them..." Laura finished for him, visibly struggling to keep her own emotions in check. "Yes, babe, I know I did, but... no, Carson... I'm a Marine... and I'm needed here, babe, as much as you..."

If he'd not been so utterly stunned, or drained, just all out terrified, Carson might have argued with her. Or he may have noticed the uneasy glances which were being traded, carefully discreetly, around him.

When it came to giving ground, Dr and Mrs Beckett could put the bloodiest minded of mules to shame. The last thing either needed right now was to let that mulishness escalate into recklessly hurtful anger.

So it was a massive relief for everyone in the Gate Room that Carson now nodded in weary acceptance. It was still telling, though, that his single word of concession could barely raise itself above a whisper.

"'kay..."

There was another reason, of course, for why he'd conceded so easily, with so little argument, but – well, no-one in that room, or anywhere else on Atlantis, wanted to tempt fate into letting it happen.

Instead, Laura mustered up as brave a smile as she could manage as she came to stand at his side – never more grateful, or proud, or relieved as she was right now, to see him smile faintly back at her.

This moment was heartbreaking enough already, for them both, without a furious row to cope with too. And while they'd promised to be strong for each other... dear God, how the hell could they...?

For the most selfless of reasons, they were sending their children, their precious babies, away. Neither of them knew when they'd see them again... if they'd even be alive, survive this attack, to –

"Carson...? Laura...? It's – It's time..."

Kate had spoken as gently as she could, but those words still broke two already silently terrified hearts.

Tears that had been threatening all morning ran freely now, unstoppably, down two stricken faces. As they held and kissed each tiny bundle in turn, it took all the strength they had to give them back.

A final embrace, one last kiss through helpless tears. Then, with Kate's merciful help, it was over.

Safe in their guardians' arms, Megan and Jamie Beckett were carried through from one fortress into another – both blissfully unaware of the distraught tears, the scenes of utter heartbreak, which they'd left behind.