"Whatever houses I may visit, I will come for the benefit of the sick, remaining free of all intentional injustice, of all mischief and in particular of sexual relations with both female and male persons, be they free or slaves."—Hippocratic Oath, Paragraph 6.
Carson packed the final box and loaded it into the back of the jumper. John was up in the front readying the ship for take off, and Rodney was packing some of his own equipment into the back.
Carson had offered to provide the recourses for inoculations for the planet the babies and mothers of planet MG6-983 after Atlantis formed an alliance with them a little over a month ago.
Rodney had arranged a lesson in generators and heating systems. The inhabitants weren't vastly pre-technological people, however their winters tended to be vicious, and after Radek and Rodney spent several hours going over schematics and arguing, they had finally developed a solution to better heat the city.
John had essentially offered to baby-sit his brother and the physician. He had also offered to talk to the leader about beginning a military, in case the Wraith did ever try and strike—so the people could have some line of defense.
Sheppard watched from the co-pilot seat as Beckett plopped in the chair gracefully behind the pilot's chair, looking rather unsure about all of this. "Good to go, Doc?"
"Aye," Carson murmured.
The resident doctor was becoming easier about going off world, but flying altogether seemed to be a different matter. John was snapped from his thoughts as Rodney sat down in the pilot's seat. "Ready? the scientist asked his brother.
"You're the pilot," grinned John.
"Control, this is Jumper One, we're packed up and ready to move out," Rodney called over his radio.
"Thank you, Rodney, you're good to go, be safe," Elizabeth replied, smiling softly.
John quickly dialed the gate as Rodney carefully lowered the jumper into the gate room. He was pleased when his brother strung the needle successfully. They had been practicing off and on over the past two years; Rodney was slowly starting to improve. Carson, on the other hand, completely refused to learn how to pilot the jumpers any better. John was getting dangerously close to pulling rank on the good Doctor and having Weir order him to learn.
Rodney carefully brought the ship down to a clearing nearly fifteen minutes later, just outside the medium sized city.
"Good job Rod," grinned John as he slapped his brother's shoulder a couple times. "Let's move out," he suggested as Rodney reached out and let the rear hatch down.
Each grabbing a duffel of their portable gear, they made their way into the sunny city.
Lord Argon was there to greet them with a warm and welcoming smile. "Greetings Colonel Sheppard, Doctor McKay, it is nice to see you again."
"It's nice to see you as well. Dr. Weir sends greetings also. Oh," Sheppard gestured to Carson, "this is Doctor Carson Beckett; he's here to help protect your people from diseases."
"Ah, yes, Doctor, this is the head of our Healing department, Doctor Deena Amerisin. She will show you to the house of healing."
"Thank you," Carson spoke with a genuine smile.
"Doc, try and wrap it up in two hours. We'd like to head home by thirteen hundred hours," John told his best friend, glancing at his watch.
"Aye," Carson agreed before heading off with the red haired doctor.
"Dr. McKay, perhaps you would like to see our labs, get to work on our heating problem?" questioned Lord Argon.
"Yes, of course, lead the way," Rodney consented with a nod.
Everything was going smoothly when 12:30 rolled around, and Carson was certain they would be able to call it a successful day by one. He'd begun talking to some of the doctors about their discoveries in medicine, when there was a scream from near the doorway.
Carson looked up, horrified to see a woman perhaps in her thirties; she was covered in blood as she gripped her stomach. Tears were streaming down her pale skin.
Running to the woman, he was just in time to catch her before she hit the ground and lowered her to the ground gently. "I need some help!" he cried as he looked at her stomach, it was still seeping blood. Her eyes, however, that had once been filled with fear, were now glazed over and empty. He reached out and pressed his fingers to her neck. "Damn," he hissed, quickly pinching her nose as he blew a puff of air into her mouth. He gave a second puff, and then began chest compressions; all the while mindful of her wound.
He was completely unaware of those around; who were now watching him, stricken with horror and even some anger. "What are ye doin'!" growled Carson suddenly, "She's dyin'!" he yelled again.
"Stop," called one of the doctors.
Carson cried out again, "What are ye' doin…don't ye understand she's dying!"
"Stop," the warning tone from the doctor resonated again through Carson's ears.
Carson looked up into her deep jade green eyes and felt anger flare through him, "Why are ye all just standin' there!"
"Step away Doctor Beckett," another, much more menacing tone barely broke through his ministrations.
Carson didn't respond, he just continued to try and help the dead woman. He felt a sudden chill blaze up his spine when he felt cold steel pressed against the base of his neck, and the sound of a pulse gun charging. Whoever was trying to grab his attention; had just succeeded, "Step away from her," The cold ominous voice spoke in even tones once more.
Carson felt fear crashing down upon him like a tidal wave upon a surfer. Slowly he raised his hands in the air and got to his feet. He took a step back from the dead woman's body, feeling sick. He hissed in pain as the man suddenly wrenched his hands back, tying them together behind Carson's back.
"Doctor Carson Beckett, you're under arrest," spoke the man.
"Wait! No you don't understand! I was tryin…to help!" he screamed and fought as he was propelled out of the building.
John and Rodney were speaking with King Argon when one of his guards stepped inside. "Your highness, I must speak with you," the man spoke in a serious tone.
"Certainly. Excuse me, Colonel," the king said before he stepped out into the hallway.
John looked over at Rodney, "You know those bad feelings I seem to get every now and then?"
"You mean the one you're getting now?"
"You sense it too?"
"Yeah-"
Before they could say another word, the King stepped back into the room, "Gentlemen, I think it would be best if you go…"
John looked from Rodney to the King, "Whoa…wait a minute, Go? Why?"
"I'm sorry; I'm not at liberty to say."
"Wait. Where's Carson?" Rodney suddenly spoke up.
"I said you need to go," the King said with more force.
"We're not leaving until you either tell us where our friend is—or tell us what's going on."
"I said…"
John didn't hesitate and he whipped his handgun out of its holster, and leveled it on the king. "I said, where is our friend? Don't make me ask again," John stated.
"Doctor Beckett was just arrested," the man glowered.
Rodney's eyes widened. "What the hell for?" he bellowed
"The assault and murder of Lady Shareen Holmes," the King reluctantly answered.
"Assault?" Rodney and John roared at the same time.
"Murder! You've got the wrong guy," Rodney quickly defended his best friend. "Carson wouldn't hurt a fly."
"We have witnesses, many of them agreeing all to the same thing."
John shook his head. "Now wait a damn minute! Don't we have Diplomatic Immunity! Doesn't he get a hearing or a get out of jail free card?" He asked with furrowed eyebrows.
"Murder far exceeds any Diplomatic rights, Colonel! What Dr. Beckett has done is punishable by death."
"Hang on..." Rodney began, but was quickly interrupted.
"Guards, please escort these two back to their ship and make sure they leave," commanded the King.
The brothers didn't get another chance to speak as they were practically dragged out of the king's home. "John…what are you gonna do?" Rodney asked in a low voice as they headed back to the jumper.
"I dunno—but I'm open to suggestions. We're heading back to Atlantis; to at least inform Elizabeth of what's going on."
"She isn't gonna like this," murmured Rodney.
"No…she definitely isn't going to like this," John replied, stepping into the Jumper, the door closing behind him with a resounding hiss.
"WHAT?" Elizabeth Weir was dumbfounded, at a complete utter loss for words. "This was supposed to be a simple mission, John! He was supposed to go in there, give a few shots, and walk out! Can't you three stay out of trouble for two hours!"
John winced. 'Yep, definitely not going to like this,' he thought. "In all fairness, Carson was just doing his job-"
"Yes, well, right now he's sitting in a deep hot pot of water for doing said job!" she sighed, slowly massaging her temples. "All right, we're going back. I will speak with the King. Meanwhile, you two try and talk to Carson: figure out exactly what happened, and see if there isn't some way to break him out of jail. And for god sakes, stay out of trouble!"
"Come on Rod, lets get loaded up again," John said steering his brother out of the room.
Elizabeth shook her head in disbelief; those three were quite possibly the most unusual, unluckiest three men to ever step foot in Atlantis. "Teyla," she called over her radio.
"I am here, Elizabeth," Teyla's quiet response crackled over the comm.
"Carson's in a bit of a bind. I'm heading back with John and Rodney to try and patch things up. Look after the city please." Elizabeth normally left Teyla in charge, should anyone need anything and Teyla was on Atlantis, they were to go to her.
"Of course, Elizabeth. Be safe my friend," replied Teyla.
"We'll try, Weir out," she whispered as she frowned.
The sun was beginning to dip into the horizon when they arrived back on the planet a little less than an hour later. Elizabeth walked between Rodney and John, her face set in stone, as they approached the high council's chamber. She was prepared to argue and fight…to do almost anything to get her CMO back.
She didn't hesitate to walk right into the king's chamber. His abnormally glassy gray eyes met her green ones, "Dr. Weir, it is pleasant to see you again…"
"Cut the formalities, King Argon, you know why I'm here. Where's my Chief Medical Doctor?" She wasn't the type of person to be rude and annoying, however, at this very moment, she was more concerned for the welfare of Carson than anything.
"Doctor Weir…" the man began.
"Where is he?" Elizabeth demanded with more firmness. She wasn't going to back down, not when it meant one of her own. She didn't leave anyone behind.
"He is in the jail house; I assure you he is unharmed."
"He'd better be. John, Rodney, go find him and speak with him," Elizabeth commanded.
"Yes m'am," John replied as they turned to walk out of the chamber. "Remind me never to get on her bad side," he mumbled to Rodney, who simply grinned.
"Dr. Weir, I apologize for the way things have developed…"
Elizabeth took a deep breath and spoke evenly, "Lord Argon, why was Doctor Beckett arrested?"
"He assaulted and murdered someone."
"No, Carson heals people…What happened?" Elizabeth muttered.
"I tried to give her CPR," Carson enlightened. "She came in bleeding profusely, from her stomach…She fell to the ground…I searched for a pulse then started CPR. I was tryin' to help."
"We know, Carson. Was there any possibility you hurt her further though?" John asked.
"Aye…I suppose; it's always possible that we could injure someone further…but it's very unlikely."
"How unlikely?" Rodney asked.
"About as probable as ye becomin' a three star general an' marryin' Colonel Carter by tomorrow," replied Carson sarcastically.
"That's pretty damned implausible," mumbled John.
"Hey!" bit Rodney.
"Could ye two focus, please!" snarled Carson.
"You don't understand, Dr. Weir, he violated our religion…"
"How?" Elizabeth asked, trying to keep her calm.
"No married woman is to be touched by someone other than their husbands. The man who does the violating is usually killed on spot. You're lucky Doctor Beckett's made it this far."
"Did Carson even know about this?"
"I doubt it…I did not tell him."
"Then how can you expect him to comply to such rules if he does not know them?. King Argon, we cannot obey your rules if we are not informed of said rules. Doctor Beckett is a medical doctor. I assure you; he did not cause this woman's death, intentionally or otherwise. He would never deliberately desecrate your beliefs or religions."
"Perhaps not. However, a woman is dead and he was the last to touch her. It's in the hands of the council."
"Wait, you can't possibly hold him accountable…"
"Maybe in your world murder is taken lightly, but here, we avenge the victim! Diplomatic Immunity cannot save him."
"Then why have it?" growled Elizabeth.
"I dinne kill her!" hissed Carson.
"We aren't saying you did, Doc, but you're standing behind the iron bars right now. We've got twenty-four hours to find a way to either bust you out or get Argon to let you out. Otherwise, you're as good as dead."
"And how do you plan to do that?" Carson barked at his two best friends.
John shrugged, his brow furrowing again, "I don't know…Maybe if you apologized and promised never to do it again-"
Carson quickly cut him off, "I can't make that promise, Colonel! I'm a doctor; it's my job to save people's lives. I took an oath. I'm not trying to play God, but I do all in my power to save lives!"
"I'm sorry, Carson," John knew how serious Carson took his job.
"Its okay, lad, I don't mean to be short with ye…"
"We're gonna get you out, Carson, I promise," whispered Rodney as he smiled sympathetically at his best friend.
"I hope so…I don't wanna die," mumbled Carson.
"Don't worry, Atlantis can't afford to lose you…Who would keep us alive?" smirked John, gaining a glare from both men.
"Right. I'm gonna look around; talk amongst yourselves," John moved off to find a way to get Carson out.
"Rodney, honestly I didn't know about their religion."
"We know, but does it really matter? Face it, Carson, you still would've tried to save her."
"Aye…you're probably right."
Rodney reached out, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder through the bars, "Don't lose that Carson, that amazing will to help people—it's what makes you…you."
Carson gave a sad smile, "Won't matter much will it, if I die."
"You're not gonna die."
"Lord Argon, I'm sorry, but isn't there anyway we can over look all of this mix up?"
"I'm sorry, no; we take our laws very seriously here. It would give a very bad impression if we let you all just walk away."
"I'm warning you, Argon, if you try and kill him, we will fight you…"
"Is that a threat?"
"No," she said in anger, "it's a promise. If you're going to condemn a man over something he doesn't even know about, then that makes me question your ability to govern."
"We consider women to be sacred among our people."
"They are among ours as well!"
"Do you not punish those for violation of a woman?"
"Yes," replied Elizabeth in anger.
"How is that any different?"
"In our world rape is well known! Those who violate people in our world know what they're doing when they do it! They may do it, but it is in their own anger or accord! They do it with the intent to hurt! Carson Beckett did no such thing! He was simply trying to help someone he saw who was hurt, possibly dying, and did his job. He did not assault, injure, rape or kill anyone!"
"Dr. Weir, if you insist on being loud, I can have you removed from my chambers…"
"King Argon…" she paused, losing her temper was not a good idea, "let my doctor go!"
"He has broken laws…"
"He will be punished, but killing him won't fix anything, it won't avenge anything! It won't help the trade we're willing to make with you…"
"How do I know you would truly punish him?"
"You have my word," Elizabeth replied softly.
"Did you find anything?" Rodney asked as John returned.
"No…that's not saying there isn't something, that's just stating that I didn't find anything." He stopped, looking up as though he was figuring what he'd just said, out in his head.
"Thank you for that, Colonel," mumbled Carson, rolling his eyes.
"Sorry, Carson…it's a pretty screwy religion to be killing someone because they touched a dying woman…" John muttered.
"Well, not really…" Rodney replied. "I'm serious, think about it for a minute. I'm the last person to talk about religion, but this is different. Imagine someone coming to us, and hurting or violating a woman—or even raping her, and then telling us—that it's a way of cleansing the woman. I know it sounds really weird, but it's possible, and don't tell me for a minute that it's too odd, no it's not. We've run into stranger religions. Remember the kids who killed themselves. They're scared and they don't understand our ways…To them…some things are a little more sacred than they are to us…and I doubt they really even comprehend CPR…"
"Wow Rod…that was actually some deep thinking," smirked John.
"Please hit him for me," muttered Carson to Rodney.
"We could try and pick the locks," Rodney suggested.
"When did you learn how to pick locks?" John asked raising an eyebrow.
"I haven't…but now would be a great time to learn…" Rodney said simply threw his hands into the air with a deep sigh.
"The hearing will begin tomorrow. You and your people are welcome to stay of course…" King Argon spoke.
"Well, I'd prefer there was no hearing, but we'll be staying," replied Elizabeth, her voice filled with annoyance.
"Perhaps you would like to go see your doctor?" questioned the King.
"Yes, I would."
"Very well. Doctor Weir—it would not be wise to try and break your friend out."
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Elizabeth replied with John's usual saying.
Elizabeth sighed as she reached out and squeezed her friend's hand. "I've got some good news, bad news, and worse news…"
"Aye…I figured as much. Give it to me backwards, lass," Carson replied as they all took a seat on the floor, forming a sort of circle, only with bars between them and Carson.
"The worst news is, I couldn't get you out of the hearings—believe me I tried," Elizabeth explained forlornly. "The bad news is that the hearings begin tomorrow at dawn, and they'll have your sentence by sundown."
"There's good news?" Rodney mumbled.
"Sure…she just saved a bunch of money-"
"John!" the three friends bit before he could finish his sentence with a sheepish smile.
"Yes, Carson there is good news. I'm defending you—your acolyte of sorts is what they call it. Lord Argon feels that with a woman defending, you have a bit of a better chance."
"Is that all my news?" Carson asked in a defeated tone.
"Ah…no, I know a way to break you out; if it comes to that," Weir said smiling.
"Really?" John's eyes brows spiked in surprise.
"Yes…Rodney, I need you to fly me back to Atlantis tonight, then we'll return before dawn and discuss what happened. John, I want you to stay here with Carson. Make sure he's safe…I trust these people about as far as I can throw them."
"Can do," replied John.
"Good. Rodney, shall we?" she asked standing to her feet.
The scientist nodded, quickly gaining his footing. The two friends left, Carson and John watching them leave. "What do ye think she's up to?" Carson asked.
"Oh…I have an inkling. I guarantee you when this is all over ,the alliance we made…is shot," whispered John.
"Oh…I imagine," replied Carson rolling his eyes at his friend.
"Do I even want to know how this all started?" Stephen Caldwell inquired as he looked from Elizabeth to Rodney.
"It's complicated, but we need your help, Colonel…" Elizabeth explained.
Rodney respected her greatly for many things; this was just one of them. It took a lot of guts to go to Caldwell and ask him for favors. He was like the mafia with the whole 'scratch my back and I'll scratch yours' thing. He always seemed to want something in return.
"So all we have to do is hang out, over this planet…and wait for your signal…Then "beam" you all out?" Caldwell asked.
Rodney rolled his eyes. "Yes Scotty, could you please beam us up?" he snapped. "This is serious, Colonel, we need your help. These people are going to kill our top physician if we don't find a way to get him out of there soon."
"Why don't we just go and do that now?" Caldwell requested, glaring at the cocky astrophysicist.
"You're only a precaution…we don't want to anger them, so we're going to try and make them believe Carson is innocent. If they decide to kill him; then we'll call you guys. It's a last resort Colonel, but it may be his only hope."
Caldwell nodded, "We'll be there, Dr. Weir, ready and waiting."
The Jaren's weren't very different from Earth in the set up of their hearing. Carson sat quietly by Elizabeth's side, Rodney sat in a row of chairs right behind them. John stood in the back of the room, a gun holster hidden under the back of his shirt in case anything went wrong.
The Daedalus hovered cloaked just over the large city, ready for the signal from Sheppard. Three other cloaked jumpers had landed minutes away from the building. Rodney had already programmed the Jaren's Stargate to only dial Atlantis once more before the address was permanently locked out of their system. Upon arriving home, Rodney would also lock the address out of their system completely.
Elizabeth had made it excessively clear they weren't taking any risks on this one. She glanced over at Carson and offered a soft smile as she reached out and squeezed his hand reassuringly. "You look sick," she spoke quietly, a sad smile gracing her beautiful face.
"I've never really been arrested-or accused of murder before," he whispered as he gripped her hand as though trying to gather strength from her.
"Carson, you did nothing wrong. You tried to help…that's why we all love you. You care so deeply about all lives; even people who threaten to hurt or kill you. It's an amazing quality," she whispered softly.
"Aye…and one that may get me killed," he replied, his frown turning to a weak smile. "Thank ye, lass."
When everyone were called to their feet, Argon strode confidently inside the room and took a seat before group. "The hearing today is Dr. Beckett vs. The late Lady Holmes. Dr. Beckett you have been charged with the assault and murder of Shareen Holmes, where do you stand?" Spoke King Argon.
"Innocent…King."
"Very well, tell me doctor, were you aware of our laws and practices at the time of the death?"
"No sir."
"Very well, Dr. Weir you are free to speak," Argon nodded to the woman.
"Thank you Argon. Doctor Amerisin, please have a seat," Elizabeth spoke firmly but remained calm as though she had been doing this sort of things for years.
The doctor hesitantly took a seat, waiting for Elizabeth to begin the questions. "Doctor, do you have methods that do not involve machines to sustain life until help arrives?"
"Of course," replied the doctor.
"Certainly, yet you did not practice said method when the woman came into the clinic…Why?"
"Dr. Beckett reacted before I had a chance."
"I see…You didn't stop the Dr. Beckett, could I ask why?"
"It was not my place."
"Really, because when I hear the name 'healer'…that leads me to believe you are expected to save lives…isn't that correct?"
"Yes," the doctor replied evenly.
"But Doctor Beckett asked repeatedly for help, and you stood by and allowed him to commit a crime he knew nothing about. Tell me doctor, did you know about the laws and crimes he was committing?"
"Of course," the healer reacted indignantly.
"Okay, now wait a minute. Let me see if I've got this, you knew about these laws, you didn't tell Doctor Beckett-then being one of the few who could help this poor woman: you chose to stand by and do nothing. That seems a little strange, doesn't it?"
"I was in shock," the woman offered.
"Right. How long have you been healing people, Doctor?"
"Thirty cycles," the woman smiled proudly.
"Uh huh, and in that time…you've seen a lot of different situations, right? I mean, certainly you've come across situations similar to this one. You've had to react similarly with speed and accuracy. In fact, I have your report here-it says here that this woman could have survived. So, why didn't she?"
"Blood loss."
"So, it wasn't Doctor Beckett?"
"No," the doctor answered tersely.
"In fact, he helped sustain her for those few minutes…" Elizabeth coincided
"Yes," her abrupt reply startled Elizabeth slightly.
"You can return to your seat now Doctor, thank you." Elizabeth smirked as the woman dejectedly returned to her seat. Nodding she looked at Rodney, "Dr. McKay, take the stand please." She waited for her friend to take a seat before smiling tenderly at him, "Dr. McKay, do you know CPR?"
"Of course. It's standard medical aid that all off world personnel know emergency care, to the very least of medics…"
"Right. Rodney, would you please tell the court what CPR is, and how it helps the victim?"
"It forces air into unresponsive lungs, causing the body to pump oxygenated blood through the system as you press down on the heart….pumping the blood through the vicitim's veins, decreasing the risk of organ failure and brain damage."
Carson smiled fondly at his best friend. He had taught Rodney that a long time ago, when the astrophysicist had insisted upon knowing why such a thing was important to know.
"Have you ever performed CPR?" Elizabeth continued the questioning.
Rodney replied curtly, "Yes."
"On who?"
"Friends," Rodney returned.
"On a woman?"
"Yes," Rodney murmured as Seri shot through his mind.
Elizabeth paused for a moment. She knew who he was thinking about, she could tell as pain flashed in his eyes. "Have you ever been given CPR?"
"Yes." Again Rodney nodded, looking from Elizabeth to Carson.
"How many times?" Elizabeth could count them on one hand, and she could vividly remember every second he hadn't responded to the treatment.
"Once, maybe twice…"
"Four times," mumbled Carson, "if ye don't count the allergic reactions."
Elizabeth offered a weak smile to her friends, "Rodney, would you say Dr. Beckett his good at his job?"
It was the real question, Rodney could complain about Carson all he wanted, but the truth was something all together different. "Carson is the-he's the best friend and the best doctor any man could hope for in an emergency. He's my brother, my friend, and he's always taken care of us."
"Thank you, Rodney, you can step down," Elizabeth replied.
Rodney nodded and paused when he looked at Carson, the Scot smiled gently at him. "Thank you," whispered Carson.
"I meant every word," answered Rodney as he took a seat.
"Carson," Elizabeth called sensitively. "Why did you come to Atlantis?" she asked when he'd taken a seat.
"To save and preserve lives…to learn about our history."
"And why did you come to this world?"
"To inoculate children from diseases."
"Carson, why did you perform CPR on Lady Holmes?"
"She was dying, she was frightened and askin' for help," responded the physician.
"Carson, did you in any way violate this woman?"
"No!"
Talking erupted throughout court at Carson's admonishment.
"Easy Liz," Sheppard's voice broke through her earpiece.
"Carson, if someone were to suddenly collapse in this court, what would you do?"
"Help them."
"Even if it was against their religion."
Carson didn't hesitate, "Yes."
More talking erupted suddenly. "Why?" Elizabeth continued.
"My job is to treat all patients like I would a family or friend: To treat them by all means possible, and to make them comfortable if I cannot cure them. I am to do all within my power to save lives. If a person dies, then at least I tried to give them a second chance. If they live, they have another day to be thankful for."
"You wish to play god?" rebuked King Argon.
"No!" shouted Carson. "On the contrary! I only wish to stave death off! God wishes fault to me as he does everyone else! I am not perfect, nor do I believe I am. God gave me a big heart; it's my best and worst trait. Every day a little bit dies in me when I don't save someone. I don't claim perfection, or to be God…I claim to heal within my power…and leave the rest to whoever is watching."
"Carson," Elizabeth paused, "are you sorry?"
John watched from the back as whispers continued, he had to admit he was very interested in this answer.
"That she died…of course. No human life should be violently cut short. Am I sorry I tired to help? No, most certainly not, it's part of who I am and what I do. If ye wish to condemn me for my beliefs, then so be it…but I am not condemning you or your beliefs! Killing me for your beliefs, is no better than what you feel I did!"
"What do you mean?" Argon asked.
"You said that I violated your beliefs by touching her. If you kill me…you will be violating my belief in helping people. That's no different."
John smiled, as everyone else seemed to consider the doctor's words. If nothing else, Carson was elegant with his words. "I think our doctor may be a Socrates," John whispered through the radio.
"You can step down. Thank you, Carson," Elizabeth whispered with a light smile at John's words.
No more than twenty minutes later Lord Argon stood and looked around at his people, "We have lost someone we all knew. For that injustice one shall pay. That someone, however, cannot be Doctor Beckett."
Elizabeth instantly clasped her friend's hand with a grin on her face.
"Doctor Beckett, I've discovered how noble a man can truly be. It takes great courage to step up and try to help someone, then to remain standing in your beliefs, even in the face of death. We cannot condemn you for doing your job. You and your friends are free to go, we wish to continue trading; however will understand if you decide not to."
"Thank you, King." Carson offered a grin as he stood, Elizabeth threw her arms around his neck, Carson chuckled as he hugged her with just as much gusto.
"Let's go home, Bones," Rodney declared as he clapped his best friend on the shoulder.
The three friends made their way to the back of the court room, where they were met by John. The solider stepped in front of his good friend, placing a hand on either side of the stubbly cheeks. "Let's go home, brother," he whispered.
The four friends marched out of the court room, people watching them out the windows and the doors, as they quickly dialed the gate. Elizabeth watched carefully as the two cloaked jumpers entered the horizon, she could see the changing in the wormhole, when she got an all clear from Radek on the other side she nodded to her three friends.
Hand in hand, they stepped through the wormhole. They had won another battle.
"Well, for what it's worth, I'm glad they decided you were okay," joked Laura as she scooted closer to her boyfriend. His arms slid around her shoulders as he smiled.
"Aye, me too," he concurred with quiet laughter.
"Who do you think shot her?"
"I have no idea, love."
"So…wanna watch the movie?"
"I'd love to." Leaning back and holding Laura closer, Carson pressed the play button.