Time Capsule

Chapter 2

"What's the matter now, Rodney?"

Carson stared at the excited physicist from behind his pile of folders. McKay had burst into his office, his hands cradling a small object. It was about a week after the shoulder incident, and Carson had noticed that the scientist had been avoiding the medical wing. Beckett was used to this; even though he did everything he could to repair the physical damage the teams incurred off-world, rather than being thanked, he was often regarded with distrust. After all, he was the one who wielded the sharp instruments. Still, when Rodney wasn't being Dr. Super-Scientist, saving the Pegasus galaxy from imminent destruction, he could be a downright amusing guy. Carson and Rodney, along with Radek Zelenka, had formed an unlikely friendship. Many times, the three of them had gotten together, sampling Zelenka's home brew and swapping tall tales. It was a side of Rodney that was hidden well, and Carson knew he and Zelenka were two of the few who actually got to meet a different Rodney McKay.

"Touch this!" McKay ordered, thrusting the device at Carson. Immediately, Beckett jumped up and retreated away from Rodney. Carson was on Atlantis for two reasons: one, he was a superb surgeon and two, he had the ATA gene. He preferred to be known for reason number one. He despised reason number two. Only a few of the Atlantis personnel from Earth had the gene, John Sheppard being one of the others.

"Not a chance, Rodney!" Carson continued to avoid McKay, hurrying out of his office. Rodney remained on his heels, cradling the device to his chest.

"Come on, Carson! Sheppard's with Ronon and Teyla, training soldiers on the mainland. Who knows when he'll be back?" Rodney explained, cornering the doctor between a medicine cabinet and a gurney. Carson's face remained uneasy as he shook his head vehemently. As always, McKay was consumed with knowing what an Ancient device did, versus what the device did to the person activating it. While Carson had never felt anything other than a slight tingling sensation, especially when he sat in the chair in Antarctica, he wasn't willing to be Rodney's lab rat. Too many uncertainties.

He watched as Rodney's face fell, disappointment in his intelligent eyes. Carson fought the urge, but found himself reluctantly asking, "What's it supposed to do?"

Immediately, Rodney lit up. He guided Carson to a chair, then had the doctor remove his headset.

"Well, I think it's a type of communication device that interfaces directly with the computer on Atlantis. Rather than typing or even speaking commands, like we do, I believe it's possible to just think the commands, and they'll happen. Like when you turn on the lights, only with more complex processes." Rodney eased the circlet across Carson's brow. As he finished adjusting the device, Carson looked up into Rodney's face.

"It won't fry my brain, will it?" Carson asked worriedly. Rodney shook his head from side to side, ignoring the short flicker of fear that sprang into his mind. He had lost control of one Ancient weapon, and that resulted in a destroyed solar system. Okay, not completely destroyed, but still….

"If you don't want to do this, Carson…" Rodney trailed off, his eyes clouding, his hands braced on his hips. Around him, a two nurses and a doctor hovered, their curiosity peaked. Beckett merely sighed, closing his eyes briefly, then opening them to stare at the physicist.

"Okay," Rodney said, stepping back and eyeing Carson critically. "Whenever you're ready."

Carson nodded, his hands gripping the arms of the chair. He closed his eyes, trying to relax his body. He focused his mind on the object encircling his brow, willing it to come to life. Like the night before, he focused on his breathing. In. Out. In. Out. Slowly, he felt a small tingling sensation course through his body, starting at his head, then spread out until the ends of his fingers thrummed. As always, he was undecided as to how to react; the sensation wasn't unpleasant, but it was foreign. Then, behind the prickling….something else.

A voice. He heard a voice. So faint and far away, it almost seemed unreal, but as he focused on the sound, it started gaining strength. Carson screwed his eyes shut, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the arms of the chair. Now there was an image, blurry and white. He focused all his thoughts on to the fuzzy form, and it started taking shape. A woman's shape. She was leaning in to him, speaking urgently. Carson frowned….he couldn't understand her, although the language was beautiful. Musical, almost. He shook his head, frustrated at his inability to comprehend her words. He opened his mouth, wanting to console her, because she seemed upset. But any words he had thought to offer were quickly forgotten as a sharp pain ripped through his skull.

Rodney watched in dismay as Carson fell asleep. At least, that's what it looked like from his side of the device. The doctor had closed his eyes, taken some deep breaths, and then nodded off. Rodney wondered briefly if his theory had been incorrect, and this was some sort of Ancient sleep aid or something. A frown crossed Carson's face, and Rodney stepped forward. Something was happening.

Carson's eyes flew open, the shock and pain apparent in their blue depths. The sensation of something coursing within his body, examining every vessel and pore, was overwhelming. It was almost like he was being searched from within. The pain was nearly unbearable, and with a small groan, Carson felt himself slipping into unconsciousness. His last thought was of the woman…who was she?

TBC