Chapter 2

So they finally have a stronger gene carrier than Carson, but unfortunately it doesn't turn out to be as wonderful as Rodney thought it would. The man is Air Force, with gravity defying hair that probably contains lethal amounts of product and a slinky way of walking that just pisses Rodney off. What's even worse is that he flirts with Jeannie. With his sister! This can not be good for her after such a dramatic break-up, even though she seems to like hanging out with him well enough. She's probably just putting up a front to appear strong. (Which is total bullshit and he knows it, but he can't bear thinking about any other reason why she would flirt back.)

The man didn't even know about Stargates before he came here! The gods must really be cruel that the only people who had the gene weren't really qualified to use to. At least he was better than Carson, and Rodney was sure Weir had already asked Sheppard to join their expedition. There was no way anyone would say no to travelling to another galaxy, so at least he didn't have to worry about that.

Also they'd discovered a way to get to Pegasus. This should be a good thing as well, if only O'Neill wasn't so against it. The members for the trip have chosen for months and he wants to stop now? He said something about not having enough power to get back to earth, but that's rubbish because they can just get more ZPM's form Atlantis. Or during the off-chance that the atlantians really didn't keep any spare ZPM's lying around, they'll just have to wait long enough for Jeannie to get her theory about taking energy from alternate universes working. It' still a little shabby around the edges, but sound enough that Rodney really believes she can do it. Only with his help of course, but still.

As he predicted, O'Neill decides to let them go to Atlantis after a while. Daniel of course can't come along, but Rodney isn't too bothered by that. And the super gene guy is coming, which isn't a surprise either. Rodney has big plans for him. Or at least some vague ideas.

Jeannie appears to be fond of the new guy, which again he can't understand and doesn't really like at all. Shouldn't she still be miserable about her last romantic encounter? Although at least an Air Force Major is better than an English major. So what if he had his own crush on a dumb blond Air Force Major, at least his is also a genius, if not as smart as him. There isn't really anybody as smart as him, so Sam comes close enough.

Now he only has to arrange the few things he needs so he can leave. Packing is the easiest part. Then comes the big decision; where he should leave his cat. He's been a constant companion and loyal to boot, and Rodney really doesn't want to leave him behind, but there'is no other choice. What's a cat going to do on Atlantis anyway? It'll be too dangerous for him.

Finally he decides that the best place will be with his neighbour, because if (no, not if, when) he comes back he'll have easy access to him.

Jeannie probably doesn't have to decide over much. She hadn't really taken much with her when she's first shown up after the imbecile had left her, and Rodney had of course ranted at her about the sheer stupidity of such an action. That was the first time she had backed down from a fight and asked for forgiveness. It had weirded Rodney out enough that he hadn't brought it up again.

She's been living close to him ever since, and their rooms have been close as well when on the Antarctic base. It was strange at first, being so close again after being so far apart for such a long time, but eventually he had to adapt.


The others are all standing around with their luggage, waiting for the Stargate to activate. Rodney of course has last minute adjustments to do, but his sister is probably chatting with her fellow scientist by now. He doesn't know how she manages to be so casual around their minions. It's a mystery he will probably never solve.

"Should work now," the Sergeant that's tasked with helping him comments as he stands up and walks over to the panel that will turn the power on.

Rodney nods. "Okay, Sergeant, give it a try. The ZPM should light up when it senses the conductive connection to the Gate," he instructs, not paying attention to the other three scientists in the room. This is it. He inserts the ZPM carefully and give for the Sergeant a signal to flip the switch.

"Oh yeah!" Rodney smiles at all the others in the room in turn, delighted as the ZPM lights up. It's such a rush to know that it really works - not that he had any doubts of course.

They're already dialling the gate when he gets there and settles between Weir and Jeannie, O'Neill on his sister's other side and Daniel beside him. He's standing between the leader of the expedition and his own co-leader of the science department. It feels ceremonial.

"This is it," Weir repeats his earlier thought breathlessly. He gives a few small nods of agreement and swallows compulsively. Jeannie's smiling brightly, if a little nervously.

Weir turns her head to get a glimpse of him. "Seriously, Doctor, calm down. You're embarrassing me," she says sarcastically, moving her head around so she can see everything.

"I've never been so exited in my entire life," he responds, a little proud when he hears himself sound calm and collected despite his inner party.

"Don't let that fool you, he's probably screaming like a little girl on the inside," Jeannie butts in, smirking at him. Rodney scowls. Weir gives a small chuckle, then catches herself and turns to look back at the gate, her professional mask in place

Rodney turns his attention back to the gate as well as it activates. The crowd below them starts clapping and whistling, just as they should. Jeannie claps him on the back and pulls him into a half hug to celebrate. He feels a smug smile cross his features. He's done it.


The city is dark when they get there, and there are no life signs. The lights turn on anyway.