A/N: The next chapter might be a bit delayed in publishing. I'm moving back to school this weekend. Thanks to ladygris for being a wonderful beta!
Enjoy!
Through the Fire by GraceW
~Chapter 3~
Dr. Elizabeth Weir sat in her office, a huge stack of paperwork on her desk. As much as she loved her job, the recent increase in paperwork was enough to drive her up a wall. Atlantis had been out of contact with Earth for almost a year, and now the IOA was pushing for more thorough reports of progress and personal files. After such close scrutiny in the last three months, she'd hoped they'd at least ease up a bit. She let out a small sigh, closed her eyes and rolled her shoulders back, taking a second to relax.
"Um…ma'am?" Chuck stood at the door, an apprehensive look on his face.
"Yes?" She replied, brushing her dark hair out of her face. Never a quiet moment.
"Just wanted you to know that Dr. Beckett and team are two hours late for check-in."
Elizabeth glanced at her clock. Dr. Beckett and two Marines had left yesterday on a medical mission. Carson was going to help the people of that planet learn to use the medicines and equipment they had traded in exchange for food. Sergeant Hof had checked in a couple hours after they left, stating that they had arrived safely and that they would check in again after twenty-four hours.
Immediately, a feeling of worry swept over the leader of Atlantis. She always worried when teams went off world, but especially Carson Beckett, whose dislike of going through the gate was well known. Hoping that they were simply late getting to the gate, she stood and followed the technician to the near-by control room.
"Dial it up, please." Elizabeth spoke calmly. She had learned from an early age to control her emotions through stressful times.
The blue splash of the unstable vortex and then the shining event horizon colored the gateroom as Elizabeth clicked her radio. "Dr. Beckett, Sgt. Goldman, Sgt. Hof, come in please." Seconds dragged by and she repeated her call.
As she prepared to speak a third time, a nervous male voice came over the communications terminal. "Umm hello?"
"This is Dr. Weir. Who am I speaking with?"
"My name is Colum of Mateca"
Elizabeth was concerned and a bit worried but continued "I need to speak to the owner of the radio, or one of the other people that were with him."
"Um…I'm sorry. He has a bad head injury. He has been sleeping for some time."
"I need to speak to him, please." Even though she didn't show it, Elizabeth was beyond nervous impatience as she clicked the radio off again. To Chuck, she commanded, "Get Colonel Sheppard's team, as well as a medical team to the jumper bay immediately."
"Yes, ma'am." Chuck had pushed a few buttons and within seconds had contacted and given instructions to Colonel Sheppard, Ronon, Teyla, Rodney McKay and the on-duty medical team.
Several minutes of uneasy silence passed before the radio sounded a response. A weary voice replied slowly, as if he was trying to find the right words "This is…Goldman."
"Goldman, this is Dr. Weir. It is good to hear your voice. We were getting worried."
"Hey, there's a…bit of a situation. We were…attacked. Wraith. I can't... remember... " Goldman slurred, struggling to get the words out, his tenor voice shaky and unsure.
Elizabeth's heart dropped again. Wraith attack? Where was Carson? She brushed away the negative thoughts and asked, "What about Dr. Beckett and Sgt. Hof?"
The pause before his answer almost confirmed her fears. Goldman's voice was heavy as he responded breathlessly. "I…I don't know."
"Alright, we'll be sending a jumper as soon as possible. Just hang in there." The leader of Atlantis spoke with a strong voice, even though she felt completely helpless inside.
Ten minutes later, Elizabeth stood at her balcony arms crossed and jaw clenched. She watched as Colonel Sheppard piloted Jumper Four through the gate. Turning her back to the still shimmering even horizon, she breathed deeply and closed her eyes. Now the hard part began: the wait.
Thanks so much for reading! Please drop a review!
~~Grace :)