In a Galaxy Far, Far Away…
A Stargate Atlantis story
By Deana Lisi

Tag for episode 1: 'Rising'

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"We're in another galaxy, how much more 'out' can you get?!"

Even as he said those words to Rodney, Carson could barely believe them himself.

We're in another galaxy…I'm in another galaxy, living in a fabled city, no less! he thought. If me mum could see me now…she'd probably have a heart attack.

Standing at the rail outside the conference room, Carson stared at the Stargate, having a very hard time accepting the situation. He'd wanted to come; it'd been an easy decision to leave Antarctica. He just couldn't believe that he was actually here, and now that he was, he wasn't sure if he'd made the right choice.

It was a little…scary.

"Carson?" he suddenly heard. Startled, he found Dr. Weir standing beside him. She smiled, though her eyes narrowed in concern. "Are you all right? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Carson could only imagine the expression that had been on his face. "We're in another galaxy!" he blurted, flustered.

Her smiled widened. "Indeed we are." She looked over at the Stargate, with a sigh. "Isn't it amazing?"

Carson nodded, a little shakily. "Aye," he agreed. He sighed himself, feeling foolish at his behavior. "Sorry," he said. "I'm just…just…"

"Overwhelmed?" Elizabeth said. "Perfectly understandable."

"Who wouldn't be?" they suddenly heard, as John Sheppard joined them. He followed their line of sight. "That's quite a toy. Gonna be fun playing with it." He looked at Carson, waiting for the doctor to meet his gaze.

Carson deliberately didn't, still feeling guilty over the drone incident.

"Hey," said John, whacking his arm. "Dr. Weir here says that I can build a team to go off-world with me to do some exploring. I'm sure we'll need a doctor sometimes. Whatcha say?"

At that, Carson looked at him, all guilt forgotten. "Off-world? Me?"

"Yup," said John.

Carson swallowed, his eyes round as saucers. "But…but tha' would mean I'd hafta go through…it."

"It?" John said, trying not to laugh.

Carson looked at the object of their discussion, gesturing towards it. "The Gate."

"True," said John. "You would."

Carson shook his head nervously. "I don' think so, Major…I really don' think I like the thing."

John feigned hurt. "Why not?"

"This isn' some sci-fi TV show!" Carson said. "I'm jus' a doctor…I'm no' military."

John smiled and slapped his shoulder. "You'll change your mind, doc. You'll see. Welcome to the team."

As the Major walked away, Carson gulped.

THE END
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