Time Capsule

Chapter 8

The woman rose to her full height, sweeping her gaze around the room. She dropped Carson's hand, then clasped her own together in front of her.

"I am Brenna. I am the primary historian of Atlantis," she said gravely, her voice tinged with a light Scottish accent. She bowed low before them, then turned her attention to Dr. Beckett. "Are you all right, Carson?" She waited until he nodded, his eyes flicking to his still form on the gurney.

"Brenna, I'm Dr. Elizabeth Weir. I am so very sorry that our meeting has to be under these circumstances," Elizabeth said, stepping forward slightly on the dais. Instinctively, John moved next to her.

"I'm Lt. Colonel John Sheppard," he said. "And this is Teyla Emmagen, Ronon Dex and Colonel Caldwell." He gestured at the three figures standing behind him.

Brenna's image grew more indistinct as she stepped away from Sheppard. She frowned, her eyes glaring at the Colonel. She moved her attention to Rodney, who had cleared his throat.

"Umm..I'm Dr. Rodney McKay, Miss….umm…Brenna. If you don't mind, I have a few questions for you," he began, and she bowed her head in acknowledgement.

"Carson has spoken of you many times," she related with a small smile. "I thank you for trying to retain my systems, Dr. McKay."

"Yes, well, you're welcome. I guess," Rodney said, uncomfortable with the reminder that he had failed. Quickly, he changed the subject.

"I guess the first question I have is: Why does the circlet only work with Dr. Beckett?" Rodney asked. Brenna eyed the scientist curiously, then shrugged her shoulders.

"Dr. Beckett's genetic makeup is the most similar to mine, to that of the ancestors. Once he activated the circlet, he and I established a link. Although I can be summoned by others with this ATA gene, as you call it, I prefer to deal with Dr. Beckett."

Rodney nodded at her explanation. Curious, he took the question further. "And Colonel Sheppard? He seems to have the greatest ability with the gene, yet no link was established…"

Brenna was staring derisively at the soldier. John tried to keep his face blank, but Rodney swore he saw Sheppard flinch.

"Colonel Sheppard's genetic makeup contains Wraith DNA. He may be friend to you, but unfortunately, I could not risk revealing myself to him," Brenna said, her tone even.

"Now wait just a minute…."John started to argue, but Carson cut him off.

"Colonel, if you don't mind. I'm starting to feel…odd, so if you could move things along…." Carson's image flickered and danced, the edges of his body growing indistinct. Dr. Amrubi stepped over to the gurney, his dark eyes on the monitors. Brenna turned and glanced at the doctor, then stepped back and took his hand. Almost immediately, Carson's image strengthened. He gave her a grateful smile.

Brenna merely gazed back at him, then turned to the others. "Please allow me to explain my purpose. That may answer some of your questions." She waited as they nodded, then took a breath.

"I am sure you are aware that regardless of our advanced technology, the city of Atlantis was under threat of destruction by the Wraith. This was ten thousand of your Earth years ago. Rather than risk annihilation, it was decided by the elders to abandon Atlantis, sink the city and escape to Earth, where we could re-establish ourselves as a race." Brenna paused, watching the nodding heads of those around her.

"As you also may know, one of your people – Dr. Weir – was sent back to us, and she explained the possible outcome of your expedition. While the elders were reassured that some of our kind had survived, they were concerned that all the technology and advances that we had would be lost. So, it was also deemed necessary to leave four of us behind, along with all our knowledge."

Rodney excitedly interrupted. "Wait a minute – there are four of you? Four programs?" Brenna nodded at the scientist, a small smile on her face.

"Yes – each of our memories and knowledge are contained within the obelisks before you." Brenna dropped her hand from Carson's and walked to the one on the right. "This is me. I am the historian. I contain all the past histories of my people, as well as that of the Wraith and many others." Her image wavered and danced as she crossed to the left, and caressed the obelisk.

"This is Matea. She contains all the art, music and literature knowledge. She's quite a character. Tells the funniest tales," Brenna said, her strange Scottish lilt growing in intensity.

She crossed to the front of the dais, and paused before the third obelisk. "This is

Stafford. He is one of the elders. His knowledge is of technology and sciences. He helped to design and build Atlantis."

She stepped slowly to the rear of the dais, and lightly touched the final obelisk. "And this is Braden. His knowledge is most important. He contains all of our spiritual philosophies, as well as the rites required for ascension." At these words, Rodney began pacing back and forth, rubbing his hands together.

"I don't mean to be rude, Brenna, but could you have Mr… umm.. Stafford join us?" he asked, his excitement plastered on his face. His look dimmed as she sadly shook her head.

"I am sorry, but I cannot. You require his circlet." Brenna pointed to the device on her brow, and comprehension bloomed on Rodney's face.

Teyla leaned in. "Brenna, where the other circlets?" she asked. Brenna looked apologetically at the Athosian, then shrugged her shoulders.

"I do not know. Stafford's people created them while we were being… installed," she answered, struggling over the words. "I do know that they would not be together. This would help prevent any of our knowledge falling into enemy hands." At this, John nodded his head in agreement.

"So, let me get this straight. At one time, you and these other three" – Rodney gestured to the obelisks – "were living, breathing people. Before you departed Atlantis for Earth, your physical image and all your knowledge, depending upon your specialty, was uploaded into these obelisks, as you call them. To retrieve the knowledge, one must have the ATA gene and access to the proper circlet."

Brenna shook her head. "Yes – and no. These obelisks contain more than just my knowledge…they contain everything my people had learned over thousands of years. I was installed as a guide, or a librarian, if you will."

Elizabeth stepped forward. "So, if I were to ask you about the weapons technology used by the Wraith…"

Brenna gave a small smile as she explained. "I could tell you what they have used in the past, but as to dimensions and schematics – that would be Stafford's knowledge. I could tell you details regarding specific battles and such, but as to logistics…" Brenna trailed off sadly. "I am afraid I can be of little help to you."

Carson stepped up to her. "Nonsense, lass. You've already sent us down the right road." His image flickered and danced, then completely dimmed away.

"Carson!" Rodney's voice was sharp, and he looked worriedly at the still form of the doctor lying on the gurney.

Brenna closed her eyes, and focused her thoughts. The image of Carson flickered back into view, but it was obvious that it was fuzzier than before.

"I am afraid we must stop for now," she said urgently. "Dr. Beckett is growing very weak, and our link is fading. The power is diminishing as well." As if her words were a omen, the lights overhead started sputtering and flashing.

The image of Carson turned to Brenna. "We'll be back, lass. I promise," he said. He grabbed her hand, giving it a small squeeze, then he vanished. Brenna merely nodded, then, she too disappeared.

With a groan, Dr. Beckett raised himself up off the bed, removing the circlet with a shaky hand. Dr. Amrubi pushed him down with an impatient hand.

"Well, that was enlightening," John said, then he followed the others out of the room.

TBC