Torren and Jem sat in silence for a moment when suddenly, it hit her.
"Hey, Navid was a physicist, right?" Jem asked, knowing she was correct.
"Yeah."
"Well, why don't you just get another physicist to come to Atlantis?"
"Because they need to be familiar with our equipment and with Ancient technology." Torren looked at her as though she was insane.
"No, I mean like someone who used to work here."
"Like who? Everyone who used to work here pretty much did so until they died."
"Like my dad!" she exclaimed, amazed he hadn't figured out what she was getting at.
"Your dad?"
"Yeah, think about it! It's perfect. He used to work here, and he was quite the genius, from what I'm told. He probably used to fix things like this all of the time!"
"Well, Jem, I don't know," Torren said hesitantly. "I mean, no offense, but he's pretty old now. Plus, he vowed he'd never return to Atlantis after your mom died. It's too painful for him."
"I know," she said, her enthusiasm draining. "But isn't it worth a shot? I mean, if he did agree to come here..." she trailed off. "I know it probably won't happen – believe me, I know how stubborn he is – but even if he doesn't, we can at least say we tried."
"I suppose, if you think he might do it."
"I don't know, but I'm willing to try."
***
Jem followed Torren into the control room. He approached Grace, who was sitting in front of a computer, looking incredibly frustrated.
"Grace?" he said. "Can we talk to you for a moment. Jem has a plan that might help us, but we wanted to clear it with you."
Grace looked up, with an expression of mixed relief that someone might have a plan and scepticism that this might just be a waste of her time.
"Shoot," she said, looking at Jem.
"Well, since my dad used to work here," Jem began, "I was thinking maybe we could convince him to come back and help us out. I mean, he is familiar with Ancient technology and from what I've heard, he was always one of the best at solving these sorts of issues. I mean, I can't guarantee that he can help, nor that he will be willing to come, but I thought, you know, maybe it's worth a shot."
Grace pondered this for a moment. "I heard he wasn't willing to come back, so how do you plan on getting him here."
"Well," Jem bit her lip, "I was thinking maybe I could convince him. He might come if he knows how much I need him. I mean, it'll be difficult, but maybe I can get through to him?"
Grace gave her a cautious look. "Well, I see your point. Your father could be a major asset to this team," she said.
"So, Jem can go?" Torren asked. "I mean, to ask her dad."
Grace hesitated. "We're going to need you on the base, Jennifer."
"I see," Jem replied.
"But, I think you're the best shot at getting him to come here. So I'm going to give you two days back on Earth to convince him. If at the end of those two days, he does not agree, you will come back here alone. If he does, bring him with you. I'm going to send someone with you, just in case."
"Just in case?" Jem asked.
"I don't believe you will run away, Jem," Grace said, "but sometimes, when things get this bad, people leave. We need you here – you signed a contract and you need to live up to it. So just in case, I'm going to send someone along with you."
"Alright. I promise I won't abandon Atlantis, but if the only way I can go is to have someone join me, I'll take it."
"I'll clear it with the SGC about your arrival momentarily," she said. "Plan to go sometime early tomorrow, I'll let you know the details soon."
Jem left the room, but Torren stayed behind. She could hear faint arguing, but she didn't really care what about. She thought it best that she not interfere any more than she already had. She just hoped her dad would agree to come back with her, otherwise she'd look like a failure, and probably be facing a sure death. Doctor Rodney McKay was their last hope of getting out of this alive.
