Chapter 2

Rodney's POV

He'd brought Carson into the room where the physician had ignored the scientist, but had walked across the room. Considering the fact that Carson hadn't bolted for the door, McKay considered this significant progress. He had engaged Zelenka in conversation for a few moments when a cry had lit up among his staff.

The far wall had vanished and Carson was walking into a different room. Rushing towards the new room, Rodney felt a shock rush his system when he attempted to enter the other room.

"Carson," he hollered to no avail. "Knock it off and come back here! Carson!"

The man stumbled but proceeded as if he hadn't heard him before laying down on some sort of metallic table. Carson ceased to move and Rodney felt true panic clamor in his stomach as a cylindrical dome rose over Carson's small frame, encasing him. His mouth grew dry; his fingers were numb as he tapped the wireless.

"Weir, this is McKay," he stuttered. "We have a problem."

He heard Elizabeth acknowledge him and say she would be there directly. Rodney tuned her out and motioned Zelenka to help him begin a series of tests. Dread filled his stomach like lead, but his hands moved faster than ever. Time was of the essence.

Carson could die if he didn't save him.

Carson's POV

Weight filled Carson's mind; he felt like he was being pressed on but could not rouse the strength to open his eyes. Small stabs of pain surrounded him, though from where Carson was not sure.

'Little one,' a soft voice said. 'I know you feel pain, but its alright. Relax and allow me to care for you.'

For some reason, Carson felt utter confidence in this being--whatever it was. It's voice seemed familiar for some reason. What was happening though? There was many feelings: pain, remembrance, knowledge?

'Its alright,' the voice soothed almost in a caress. 'I am a memory Carson. One of the voices that dwelled within Atlantis long ago. We have met because you are one of us, you just need a little initializing yourself.'

'I don't understand,' Carson mumbled groggily. Some things made sense while others did not…so confusing.'

'You are an Ancient Carson.' the voice chuckled.

'That's not possible,' he muttered. 'I got the gene, but that's all.'

'Not quite true,' the voice whispered. 'When we Ancients left for Earth we knew our descendents would return to us one day so we made sure that one of our children would be among them.'

'That makes no sense,' Carson argued.

'It did to us,' the voice admonished. 'Before we ascended we agreed to allow such a child to be born; the Ancients have the power of foresight so we used it. We chose your mother to be the carrier of a child born of two Ancients. We ensured your genetic code would not appear until you reached Atlantis by suppressing your DNA, with the exception of the basic gene you discovered.'

'But my mum's not an Ancient,' Carson pointed out sarcastically. 'And whoever my Da is, he sure isn't an Ancient.'

'The one you call your mother is not your biological mother,' the voice said comfortingly. 'She served as a host for you to be born. Now, as we speak, your true genetic sequence is surfacing; in addition; knowledge is being implanted into your memory from over a thousand minds long since dead. When you wake from your slumber, you shall be one of your own kind again. Now, good luck little one. All the hopes of our kind rest on your shoulders.'

Grief and anger were the only emotions able to surface before he felt his mind blank and return to a deepened sleep.

Shepherd's POV

"Any luck getting the damn thing to open?" John asked.

Rodney lifted a sleep deprived face to openly glare at him. That would be a no. By all appearances McKay hadn't slept in the thirty-six hours since Carson had disappeared under the metal dome over the table they were examining.

The energy field had allowed them to access the 'star room' the moment the doc had been sealed within the metal platform. Soon to be coffin if they didn't get the man out of there soon.

"I said to reroute power from that auxiliary panel into here," McKay shouted at the new German physicist. "Do I need to walk you through everything like a two year old?"

"McKay," Shepherd said. "Relax will you. Bereaving your staff probably wont help the doc out any. As much as I know you think it will--pretty sure it doesn't work like that."

Rodney slumped forward against his laptop. The man's face was hallow and Shepherd could tell he'd been neglecting eating as well.

"Carson will be alright Rodney," John said cheerfully. "The doc's a tough guy to be sure."

"I should never have made him come," Rodney groaned sorrowfully. "I know how much he hates being around new technology; if I hadn't of been selfish than Carson would be here.

"Carson should be smiling and drinking that vulgar tea of his. Patching me up from my latest scrape in some 'foolhardy mission' as he likes to call them. Hell, even him going off on you and I for avoiding our medical exams is preferable to him being swallowed by some godforsaken city."

By this time, John could see the scientist visibly trembling and blinking rapidly. Wait…was McKay crying?! He noted the glassy, desolate look in the man's eyes before he reached over to grip McKay's arm.

"Hey," Shepherd said sharply, shaking the arm to get the man's attention. "Carson will be alright. Before you know it, Zelenka will push some weird button and Carson will be there complaining about how long it took you and the naps he had to take."

McKay offered him a half smile and his eyes cast a less haunted expression.

A crackling sound brought both men to their feet in alarm. The dome was retracting to reveal the still form of Carson Beckett. He heard a stifled cry of relief as McKay radioed Dr. Weir about the latest development, while calling for a medical team.

The doc was changed. Carson Beckett hadn't been old to begin with, however, by all appearances the doctor had been reduced to his mid-twenties with all trace of age wiped away from his face. He wore a cream colored outfit a nearly identical twin to the one the Doctor Weir of the future had worn, with the exception of this one being tailored to fit a male body. He was the doc, but changed.

He saw McKay grab one of the limp hands; shaking, begging for signs of life. In that moment he saw Rodney as he'd never seen him before. He was compassionate and desperate…seeking signs of warmth in the frail figure he lying there so still, fragile.

Love; Pure; True.

John had never seen McKay look at anybody with such eyes. It was awe worthy in its own category.

When the medical team came, Rodney moved to follow but John drew him back.

"A quick word McKay," Shepherd murmured.

McKay appeared to hesitate, considering whether or not to heed, but nodded his assent and moved away from the other scientists who were examining the platform with newly born excitement. McKay appeared on edge as he opened his mouth to talk to him.

"Are you…" Shepherd began hesitantly. "…and the doc involved?"

"No!" McKay practically shouted arousing stares. "What ever gave you that impression Colonel?!"

John held up his hands in calming manner. "Its cool McKay, I just thought you seemed rather well, effected by Carson's vanishing act."

"Well," Rodney said half heartedly. "He is my comrade after all."

"True," Shepherd acknowledged unconvinced. "But look McKay; if you love the doc then go for it. If you haven't already I am definitely surprised. The way you two look at each other makes it kinda obvious."

The scientist's eyes were wide and had a slightly irrational appearance to them. "Colonel," he said brokenly. "You're American."

"So?" he remarked feigning a hurt tone of voice.

"Well Colonel," McKay remarked in typical Rodney-insult tone. "Americans hate homosexuals--especially the military if you haven't noticed!"

"That so," Shepherd replied with his smartass grin. "I suppose I better stop making eyes at Ronon then huh McKay?"

Sputtering followed by a choking astrophysicist filled the room. John patted McKay on the shoulder and grinned at the staring science team while McKay recovered enough to breathe properly.

"Did you..?" McKay rasped. "Say…what I thought you said?"

"Sure," John remarked. "Although, I myself enjoy playing for both teams. Right now mostly the straight side because Elizabeth said she'd have dinner with me. But, I'm open to a threesome if Ronon wants to join in."

"Oh my God," Rodney groaned putting his head in his hands. "Too much information."

"I wonder if Carson is a good kisser," John wondered allowed. "If you don't want him, can I have him?"

The look Rodney gave him spouted murder. To be on the safe side, John stepped backward a few feet.

Rodney's POV

I abandoned John in the lab and rushed to my quarters to shower. Within fifteen minutes I was inside the infirmary next to Carson's bed. I knew Carson would glare at me. I knew he would give me that special, "Stop hovering over me," look. I hoped he would be glad to see me.

Settling down next to his bed, I looked up to see Dr. Weir and Ronon. I resisted the urge to choke and sputter. Shepherd's crushes; who'd believe it?

"I wanted to see if he was alright," the stoic runner said frankly. Typical to the point kind of guy.

"They have said there is no reason he shouldn't be," Rodney said cautiously.

"Is there any explanation for the change in clothes or the age decrease?" Dr. Weir asked. Back to business already.

"I don't know," he muttered. He knew he should know, but quite frankly, he didn't give a damn. All that mattered was that Carson was breathing and safe next to him.

"Rodney," Weir spoke haltingly. "Shouldn't we…I mean…is there-"

Her voice was broken off by a tiny sigh. Stirring from the bed. Three sets of eyes locked on the smooth face of the Atlantian physician.

Eyes flickered revealing a remarkable transformation. Carson Beckett's sapphire blue eyes had paled to icy, crystal blue. Beautiful as they had ever had been, yet filled with fire.

Eyes of crystalline blue fire: a rebirth.