Part Two
By Annie and Lyn
“It’s a beautiful day,” Carson Beckett announced to his reflection in the bathroom mirror, “so why on earth are ye putting off going?” He should be excited at seeing his mother again but there was a niggling doubt in the back of his mind; something he still hadn’t entirely been able to erase, despite the fact that the Atlantis team appeared, mostly, to have accepted him as Carson. Well, that was who he was, anyway, except he wasn’t… and the whole problem was giving him a headache and not making him any more eager to be heading off to see his family again. He hadn’t told his mother what had happened to him.
It had been bad enough that the dear old love had almost had a stroke when she saw him standing on her doorstep the last time. She’d recovered quicker than he’d thought she would, berating him and giving him a decent whack on the behind for scaring her half to death. That settled, she made them both a cup of tea and sat, filling him on the details of his funeral.
This time, she was expecting him and there would be no nasty surprises in store, but he couldn’t help feeling as though he was deceiving her somehow by not explaining just exactly how he’d managed to come back from the dead. Granted, she hadn’t seemed to be the slightest bit interested in the finer details but still there was a small part of him that insisted on reminding him that one didn’t lie to one’s mother. He argued silently that since he was a clone, she wasn’t actually his mother and therefore that negated that little bone of contention but in the end, it all boiled down to the fact that no matter what anyone said, he was a fake.
Now he was feeling more depressed than nervous, which wasn’t boding well for his visit. “Buck up, laddie,” he chided himself. “Make the most of your stay. God knows when you’ll see her again.”
That said, emotions firmly in check, Carson picked up the box of chocolates he’d bought and headed out the door.
~o0o~
This was probably the first time in a long while that John was looking forward to visiting his family. He and Dave had banished a lot of ghosts from their pasts the last time they’d met and John was finally able to remember the good times they’d had as kids. He knew there would probably still be some mending of fences to come, and he wasn’t naïve enough to believe that they would suddenly become best buddies again overnight but some of the easy familiarity they’d had growing up had returned and he was anxious to see his brother again.
First though, he had a less pleasant visit to make. Aiden Ford had been reported as MIA for three years now. While the team had encountered him from time to time in the years since, his grandparents had no knowledge of that nor of what had happened to their grandson in the first place. John had no idea if Ford was still out there. It had been sometime now since he’d been seen, and while he’d been a resourceful and cunning adversary and sometime ally, there was no telling if he was still alive or dead. John was determined to allow Ford’s grandparents to hold onto the hope that Aiden would come home one day, at least until there was irrevocable proof that he had died.
Wanting to get the difficult part of his trip over, he grabbed his gear and went in search of McKay.
~o0o~
Sheppard gaped as the door to Rodney’s quarters opened. “McKay?”
Rodney turned from perusing his reflection in the mirror. “What?”
Sheppard waved a hand at the immaculately pressed dark suit and grey tie Rodney was wearing. “What’s with the get up? I thought you were visiting Jeannie.”
“I am. I told you last night, didn’t I? Madison wants to take me to her school to show me off.”
“You’re trying to impress a bunch of seven year olds?”
“Why not?” Rodney visibly preened. “I guess Madison’s told everyone her uncle is a world-renowned scientist, doesn’t hurt to dress the part.”
“Here.” Something white was tossed past Sheppard in McKay’s direction and John looked over his shoulder to see Ronon standing there with a smirk on his face.
“A lab coat?” McKay shook his head. “I don’t think so.”
“You sure there’s not someone else you want to impress?” Sheppard asked cynically.
“Like who?”
“Oh, I don’t know.” Sheppard shrugged. “Just wondered if maybe you’d had second thoughts about you and the doc breaking up.”
“It was a mutual decision.” Rodney turned back to the mirror and straightened his tie. “Jennifer and I agreed that a relationship that began under such stressful conditions didn’t have much to build on. Anyway, can’t anyone have any privacy around here?”
“Maybe he wants to impress Madison’s teacher,” Ronon said with a grin.
“Okay, that’s it!” Rodney spun on his heel, grabbed a small package from his bed and strode past them both. “If you’re done with discussing my attire and my love life, I have to be at Jeannie’s in a couple of hours. Can we go now?”
Sheppard trailed behind McKay with Ronon at his side. “You sure I can’t convince you to come with me?” he asked. “I’m going to see Ford’s grandparents first. Let them know we haven’t stopped looking for him.”
“You think he’s still alive?”
“He’s managed to survive this long.” Sheppard sighed. “Who knows? But until I’ve got proof one way or the other, I’m not gonna give up on him. So, you wanna come?”
Ronon shook his head. “I promised Teyla I’d watch Torren for her. She’s missing Kanaan, not that she’d admit it, and Torren’s teething so she hasn’t had much time for herself.”
Sheppard nodded. “She looks a little tired, but then again, we all are. That’s why we all need this time out before we have to worry about what we’re going to do next.” He nudged Ronon with his shoulder. “I didn’t know you had such a soft spot for kids.”
Ronon shrugged. “I like kids. They’re less complicated than adults. If things had turned out differently on Sateda….” His voice trailed off and he slapped Sheppard on the back. “You have a good visit with your brother. I have to admit I wouldn’t have minded going with McKay. Somehow I get the feeling that he’s not big on kids.”
“You got that right,” Sheppard said with a grin.
“Sheppard! Today would be good,” McKay shouted back at them.
Sheppard rolled his eyes. “Gotta go. See you tomorrow.”
~o0o~
Sheppard looked up at the control deck where McKay was bent over a computer screen. “I thought you were in a hurry, McKay,” he called.
“Hmm? Oh, just a little anomaly we picked up,” McKay replied somewhat absently. He muttered something incomprehensible then shrugged. “Probably nothing.”
“Are you sure, Doctor McKay?” Woolsey asked, walking over to stand at Rodney’s shoulder. “I don’t want to tell you how to do your job, but we are on Earth now. Is this something that could be detected—“
“We’re shielded, remember?” Rodney rolled his eyes. He sidled past Woolsey and headed down the steps. “Honestly,” he said to no one in particular, “you’d swear I was the only scientist on Atlantis. Every time there’s some minor glitch, some teensy little spike in energy readings, who do they call?”
“Well,” John drawled with a grin, “who are you gonna call?”
“What?” Rodney stared at him as though he’d grown another head.
John sighed, too antsy to get going to worry about explaining Ghostbusters references to someone who probably wouldn’t get it anyway. He looked at Woolsey who’d followed Rodney down. “Thought you might make the most of the opportunity of being Earth-side to visit your family, sir.”
Woolsey shook his head. “I have reports a mile high to complete. I want to make sure the IOA doesn’t find a single spelling error.”
Sheppard grinned. “Lucky you’re writing those reports then and not me. I was wondering…”
“Yes, Colonel?”
“Well, Teyla mentioned that she’s concerned about what happens to her if we have to stay on Earth… Kanaan’s back with the Athosians and they probably have no idea what’s going on.”
Woolsey held up a hand. “Honestly, Colonel, I don’t think the authorities have thought as far as what happens to the city, let alone anyone on it. Frankly, the whole situation is a nightmare. One, unfortunately, that we have little say in. I’ll drop in on Teyla, see if I can put any concerns she has to rest, at least for now.”
“No use borrowing trouble,” Sheppard said.
“Indeed,” Woosley agreed. “Enjoy your time with your families,” he said, nodding over at Rodney and Carson.
Sheppard nodded. “Thank you, sir.” He waved a hand at Rodney and Carson. “Jumper bay, guys, and I’m driving.”
~o0o~
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“Mum, I canna fit in another bite!” Carson held up his hands in protest as his mother slid another slice of cake onto his plate.
“Ach, nonsense,” she chided. “You’re fading away. Don’t they feed you at the hospital?” Her eyes narrowed and she laid a hand against his forehead. “You’re not sick again, are you?”
Carson caught her hand and held it in both his own, squeezing gently. “I’m not sick, Mum. I’m a wee bit tired, that’s all. I’ve had a busy couple of days.” And that was an understatement, he thought to himself.
Mary Beckett pursed her lips in what Carson recognized too well as disapproval. “They work you too hard, bairn,” she said as she topped up his cup of tea and added milk and sugar. “I don’t know why you don’t come home and work at Glasgow Hospital like your cousin, Terence. He gets plenty of time off and he has a wonderful pension plan too.”
“I like where I work, Mum.” Carson crumbled the cake on his plate. “I have a lot of wonderful friends, and I love my job. The patients need me.”
“Almost got you killed, didn’t they, those friends of yours?” Mary had her arms crossed over her ample bosom now and Carson knew things were going downhill fast. “Said you’d been killed in an explosion and there you were, lying mortally injured in the hospital all that time. Fine friends they were. Didn’t even recognize you; almost put your poor mother into a grave alongside the poor man who did die.”
Oh dear. Carson stood and helped his mother to her feet. “Why don’t you show me the garden? Didn’t you say Terry and Sally were calling in? What time are they coming?”
“Don’t change the subject,” Mary scolded but she went willingly enough and led the way to the back door. “The roses aren’t doing as well this year. Would you have time to prune them before you go?”
Carson drew her into a one armed hug. “You know I will.”
“I’ve changed the sheets on your bed,” Mary replied with a smile. “Terry and Sally will be here for tea.”
“I can’t stay, Mum. I’m sorry. I have to be back on At— at the airport by 2000 hours.”
“Fine. I’ll call Terry, tell them not to bother.” Mary pulled away from him and turned back toward the house but Carson grabbed her hand and gently turned her around to face him.
“I’ll call the hospital, see if one of my colleagues can fill in for me,” he said. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. I can catch a plane out first thing tomorrow.”
Mary’s face creased into a wide smile. “I’ve got a wee dram or two of whiskey in the cupboard I’ve been saving for when you came home.”
“That’d be lovely, Mum.” Leaning close, he kissed her cheek. “I’ve missed you more than you know.”
Mary wiped at her eyes with her free hand. “Get away with you. No whiskey for you if you don’t get those roses pruned. And don’t let Terry have more than two drinks. He gets cranky when he drinks too much.” Bustling off, she headed back inside the house. “And you need to eat more, Carson Beckett.”
Carson grinned and shook his head. “Yes, mum.”
~o0o~
John had to admit it was a relief to bid goodbye to the Fords. As always, they’d been more than hospitable, asking after his wellbeing, offering him coffee and freshly baked cookies, but the glimmer of hope in their eyes when they saw him at the door caused a lump to rise in his throat, knowing he was once again the bearer of bad news. No news really, and somehow that seemed worse than telling them that their grandson was dead. Until he could find Aiden and bring him home, one way or another, there would be no peace, no closure for his family.
He’d stood, sipping his coffee and admiring the large collection of family photos on the bookshelf. Aiden’s photo sat proudly front and center.
“He was so proud when he got accepted,” Aiden’s grandfather, Bob, said, tears glistening in his eyes. “All he ever wanted to be was a soldier.”
“He was… is a good soldier,” John said. “One of the best.”
“His grandmother has given up that he’ll come home,” Bob replied softly, casting a glance toward the kitchen where his wife bustled about. “Me….” He shook his head. “I can’t. We raised that boy. He was a good boy, never any trouble. I won’t give up on him now.”
“Neither will I,” John vowed.
Bob nodded. “I know that, son, and I want to thank you for taking him under your wing, looking out for him. He was lucky to have you as his commanding officer.”
Except I wasn’t there when he needed me, John thought bitterly. I failed him. “Aiden’s my friend,” he said awkwardly.
“Brothers in arms,” Bob said in understanding. “It’s as close a bond as family, sometimes more so.”
After that, there’d been nothing more to say, except to assure them that they hadn’t given up on finding Aiden, though now, with Atlantis stranded on Earth, he didn’t know if any of them would ever get back to the Pegasus galaxy, and if they didn’t, Ford was on his own.
He’d made his goodbyes with a heavy heart, a mixture of eagerness and regret spurring him on his way.
~o0o~
“Mer?” Jeannie gaped at Rodney in much the same way Sheppard had that morning.
“What?” Rodney glared back at her and then realized that he wasn’t even in the front door yet and they were sniping at each other already. “Thought I’d make myself presentable if I’m going to school with Madison,” he added. “Do I have food on my tie or something?”
“No!” Jeannie ushered him into the house. “It’s just… You look very nice, Mer. Handsome, even.”
“Really?” Rodney waved the compliment away self-effacingly. “I’ve had the suit for years. Not many good tailors in the Pegasus galaxy.” He frowned. “Tie doesn’t clash, does it? I haven’t had much occasion to get dressed up lately.”
“It’s fine.” Jeannie led him into the living room. “Maddie’s just brushing her teeth.” She turned toward the stairs. “Madison,” she called. “Your Uncle Meredith- Rodney is here.”
“Uncle Meredith-Rodney?” Rodney raised an eyebrow. “Bit of a mouthful for a child, isn’t it? I know, I know,” he added quickly before Jeannie could respond, “Uncle Rodney is fine. Great, in fact.” Jeannie smiled. “What now?” Rodney asked.
“I’m just finding it difficult seeing you as uncle material, that’s all,” she replied. “It’s lovely, really,” she hurried on as though realizing her gaffe, “just rather strange.”
“I have to admit it feels somewhat weird from this end too,” Rodney admitted. He looked over as Madison clattered down the stairs. “Ah, there she is! Don’t you look pretty?”
“Thank you,” Madison said with a sweet smile.
Rodney held out his hand. “Ready to go?”
“To school?” Madison asked.
“Well, of course to school,” Rodney said. He took a slow breath. This uncle thing wasn’t coming easily. “Where else?” he asked with a smile that felt the slightest bit strained.
“But you’re not dressed properly,” Madison protested.
Rodney automatically checked his fly. He looked at Jeannie in puzzlement. “Am I missing something here?”
Jeannie shrugged. “Uncle Mer- Rodney got dressed in his best suit especially to take you to school, sweetie.”
Madison looked as though she was about to cry. “But where’s your white coat?” she asked. “How will everyone know you’re a famous scientist if you’re not wearing your white coat?”
Then and there, Rodney vowed that one way or another he would find a way to get them back to the Pegasus galaxy.
~o0o~
Richard Woolsey was headed back to his office and his interminable mountain of reports but detoured when he heard the rumbling sound of laughter coming from the gymnasium. Pausing in the doorway, he watched as Torren crawled over Ronon, who lay on his back on the floor.
Torren gurgled and reaching out a chubby hand, grabbed at Ronon’s beard.
“Ouch!” Ronon lifted Torren into the air and jiggled him gently from side to side. “Not the beard, little one.” Torren just gave him a gummy smile and drooled on Ronon’s face. “I give up.” Sitting up, Ronon sat Torren on his lap and tousled his hair.
“I’m not sure who’s having more fun,” Woolsey said.
Ronon looked up at him. “Definitely Torren,” he said, wiping the drool from his cheek with a grimace. “I don’t know how Teyla does it – being on the team and looking after this little one.”
“She certainly has her hands full,” Woolsey agreed, “as do you at the moment.” He watched in amusement as Torren twisted in Ronon’s hold, in an attempt to crawl away and explore.
“Something you need?” Ronon asked. He stood and settled Torren on his hip.
“I was looking for Teyla actually.”
“She’s on the balcony,” Ronon replied. “Thought she’d like a little time alone. She’s a little worried about what happens now.”
“Precisely what I wanted to talk to her about. This involves you too,” Woolsey said. “Why don’t you accompany me?”
They found Teyla standing at the balcony railing, looking out at the San Francisco Bay bridge.
“So, what do you think of your first glimpse of Earth, Teyla?” Woolsey asked.
Teyla turned and acknowledged their arrival with a nod of her head. “It is certainly very different,” she said. She took Torren from Ronon, giving the baby a gentle kiss on the top of his head. “I have never before seen a bridge such as that. I would like a chance to explore further at some point but I’m not sure if that would be allowed,” Teyla said. She waved a hand at her Athosian attire. “I would certainly stand out.”
“I’ll see what I can arrange. I can’t see that it would do any harm and we can certainly arrange some clothing for you,” Woolsey said. “I can imagine it must all seem somewhat overwhelming right now,” he added.
“I… had wondered…” Teyla began then paused.
“Honestly, I can’t tell you what’s going to happen,” Woolsey said, guessing her intent. “It appears even the IOA is stymied. Of course, they never had a situation as… unique as this one, but rest assured I will ensure that your needs and wishes aren’t ignored.”
“Thank you.” Teyla smiled but she seemed uncharacteristically uncertain. “If it is at all possible, I would like to return to the Pegasus galaxy. Torren’s father will be worried about us by now.”
“Me too,” Ronon interjected. “I mean, this has been interesting but my place is there. It’s where we’re needed.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more,” Woolsey said. “However unless, or until, we can find some way of renewing our power, Atlantis is effectively stranded here on Earth.”
“McKay’s working on it,” Ronon said. “Don’t tell him I said this, but if anyone can find a way to get us back, it’d be him.”
“I must agree,” Teyla added with a smile. “I’m sure he and Radek will do everything in their power to get us home. I wondered, Mr. Woolsey, about your plans. Now that you are back on Earth…”
Woolsey shook his head. “There hasn’t been much here for me to return to for quite some time.” He smiled at her. “I must confess to thinking of Atlantis as my home for a while now.” He glanced at his watch. “Well, I must go. I have a mountain of reports to finish.” He turned to leave then stopped. “Actually, I could use a break myself right now. Anything to get away from the paperwork for a while. I’d be delighted to show you both the sights of San Francisco.”
Teyla gave him a small smile and bowed her head. “We would like that,” she said, “wouldn’t we, Torren? Will you come too, Ronon?”
Ronon grinned and nodded. “Gotta be better than hanging around here with no Wraith to fight.”
Woolsey clapped his hands together. “Then it’s settled. I’ll organize for you to be sent some suitable street clothes. Let’s meet at the Jumper bay in an hour.”
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