Time Capsule
Chapter 10
"Whenever you're ready, Carson," Rodney said quietly. He was pacing before the control panel, watching the readings on his computer screen.
Carson lay on his gurney, the circlet already in place on his brow. He closed his eyes, ignoring the beeping from the heart monitor. Elizabeth and John were positioned nearby, as well as Dr. Amrubi. Teyla and Ronon had returned to the mainland, where Teyla's friend was in the process of giving birth to her first child. Carson felt a twinge of regret that he wasn't assisting the baby's entrance into this world, but was reassured that Dr. Stein would be there.
The familiar swirl of white drifted around him, and he felt the warm hands of Brenna grasp his. She materialized before him, a smile of greeting on her ageless face.
"Carson! I was afraid you wouldn't return. I'm glad you are here," she said. He returned her smile, tightening his grip on her hands.
"Brenna, Rodney has an idea, but before we talk to the others, I wanted to say something," Carson said.
Brenna merely stared up at him, her eyes questioning. Carson cleared his throat. "I am so sorry, lass. Rodney and the others have tried everything they could think of, but, soon, you'll be …. gone." He paused, his throat thickening with emotion.
Brenna put a hand up, shaking her head at his words. "Carson, you have given me a great gift. There was never any guarantee that Atlantis would survive, or that any of our people would return to the city. Just knowing that our race continues to live and fight for freedom is enough. Please, do not blame yourself."
Carson felt her pull him into an embrace, wrapping her arms around the doctor. She held him tightly, her head resting on his shoulder. Carson closed his eyes, unable to speak.
"You need to remember that I did live, probably a long and happy life, while I was on Earth. And then I ascended. I have no regrets," she added.
She stepped away from him. "Now, then, what is Dr. McKay's idea?" she asked.
As Carson explained, Brenna nodded her head thoughtfully, her brow wrinkled in concentration. She clasped her hands together, and, suddenly, Carson found himself as a holographic image, his still form prone on the gurney.
Rodney started in surprise as Brenna appeared next to Carson, her own image translucent and fuzzy. She gave the scientist a quick smile.
"Dr. McKay, Carson has informed me of your plan. I will do my best to send the most pertinent information to your storage devices. Please let me know when you're ready."
Rodney keyed his headset, and in the stargate room, Radek Zelenka dialed Earth. Seconds later, the gate whooshed to life, and the voice of Lt. Colonel Carter echoed through the Czech's headset.
"Dr. Zelenka? This is Samantha Carter. Tell Dr. McKay we're ready on our end."
Radek sent the message to Rodney, and he nodded to Brenna. She closed her eyes, strain etching her face, and suddenly, the control panel in the room hummed with life. Ancient characters scrolled furiously across Rodney's screen and he shook his head, his eyes unable to read the rapidly changing writing.
"Are you getting this, Dr. Carter?" he asked, excitement tingeing his voice. He glanced up, noting the concerned look on Beckett's face. The doctor was next to the Ancient woman, his hand in hers, both their images flickering and wavering.
"Carson, perhaps it would be better if we became unlinked. I can continue sending the information to your planet," she said. Her voice was thin and drawn, and her image continue to fade and flicker.
"Aye, lass. But, will I see you again?" he asked. She gave him a reassuring smile, then nodded her head shortly.
Somewhat relieved, the image of Carson closed his eyes, and then both he and Brenna vanished. Rodney watched as the doctor propped himself up on an elbow, a hand rubbing at his forehead. He looked inquiringly at McKay.
"She's okay, Carson. She's still downloading," Rodney replied, and Carson sighed. He lay back on the gurney, his eyes staring at the high metal ceiling above. The lights continued to flash and dim, and Carson knew that soon, those lights would die down permanently. As would Brenna. He swallowed the lump in his throat, and blinked back tears. It was going to be a long day.
oOo
"That's it, then," Rodney said quietly. He keyed his headset, instructing Radek to shut down the gate. They had redialed Earth twelve times, four more than Rodney thought safe. They only had one ZPM, and each time they contacted Earth, they drained an enormous amount of energy. But Rodney was also reluctant to lose any more information than necessary. The reality was that the gate had been open for only eight hours, no where near the amount of time that they needed to store Brenna's data.
The scientist sighed deeply. He was exhausted, both in body and mind. He looked at Carson, noting how drawn his friend's face was. The doctor lay on the gurney, his eyes unfocused as he stared at the obelisks. He hadn't said a word since they started downloading Brenna's information. He had only removed the circlet, placing it into Elizabeth's hands, then reclined back on the bed.
Rodney walked to the gurney and gave a sad smile to Carson. "We've reached capacity, Doctor. It's not much, but it's something. I need to go and check out our systems. Will you be okay here?"
Carson nodded silently. "Rodney, I appreciate everything you've done. I know you did your best," the Scot offered as McKay turned to leave the room.
Rodney merely shrugged, then gave a crooked grin and left the room. Carson looked around; he was alone. Even Dr. Amrubi had vacated the area, as Beckett was no longer linked with Brenna.
The doctor's face fell as he thought of the Ancient. The link they had established
had affected him deeply. There had been a few times when Carson had questioned his decision to remain in Atlantis, and this was one of them. On Earth, things seemed so much safer and easier. Although his life here was exciting, each day bringing new discoveries, there was also the terror and pain. Never had Carson believed that so many of his friends and colleagues would be lost. Rodney had commented once that they were pioneers, much the same as the hardy folk who had crossed the vast plains of America in the nineteenth century. The history books recounted the many lives lost, but glossed over the anguish and fear those brave people faced. Carson often wondered that if he had known of the consequences, would he have refused to step through the stargate?
He sighed, knowing the answer. The truth was, he would have never met Brenna, or Teyla or Ronon, or any number of the friends they had made in the Pegasus galaxy. Elizabeth Weir, John Sheppard, Rodney McKay, Laura Cadman – all these people had immersed themselves into Carson's life, and he valued their friendship deeply. And the wonders of this strange place; Carson often wished he had an artist's soul, rather than that of a mere physician. Then, maybe on a canvas or with a poet's words, he could capture the beauty of Atlantis. Yes, he would have come. He wasn't a very brave man, but he had a healthy dose of curiosity.
He rolled carefully off the gurney, pausing to stare at the light metal circlet sitting at the foot of the bed. His thoughts were interrupted by Rodney's voice crackling through his headset.
"Dr. Beckett? Dr. Weir has called a meeting. Meet us in her office in about twenty minutes." The comm clicked off, and Carson reached his hand out, grasped the circlet, and slowly walked from the room.
TBC