There's No Place Like Home... or Home is Where the Heart is... or something like that.

[atlantis_flyboy]

Right, it's (high) time for some coherent explanations. Sorry about yesterday. So, here's the deal. And sorry again, but it's long; not like a mission report at all. I want to describe as much of it as I can, so you know what I've been through, and why things are... as they are. I know you're not used to me talking this much, but bear with me. It's

Comments

[atlantis_flyboy]

"...Hmmm?"

*Is distracted and doesn't seem to be following the conversation all of a sudden*

"...Wait - *you* can hear her, too?"

*Narrows his eyes, looking a little - jealous, maybe?*

[doc_beckett]

Well, it's not like words, you know? Just... sort of a voice.

[atlantis_flyboy]

Are you sure? It sings to me. Not in words.

[doc_beckett]

Maybe it's a wee bit different for both of us. I wonder if the others who have the gene can hear it?

[atlantis_flyboy]

Good question. Think we should ask Rodney? He already thinks I'm nuts...

*Is still feeling terribly, unaccountably jealous but doesn't want to take it out on Carson*

[doc_beckett]

I think asking Rodney might be useful, aye. I'm wondering if there's any difference between those with the gene naturally and those who've had the gene therapy.

[atlantis_flyboy]

*Frowns*

You think that would make a difference? You and Rodney don't seem much different in your skill with the gene, allowing for your natural caution. I don't know so much about the rest of personnel, except Markham and Stackhouse, of course; and only that they can fly the jumpers.

[doc_beckett]

Well, it's all conjecture at this point. Think of it as an experiment. Rodney's the one to ask about the acquired gene, since that's how he got it. It didn't take with Radek, so we can't ask him, of course.

Aye, we should ask Stackhouse, but... well... poor Markham...

*looks away uncomfortably*

[atlantis_flyboy]

*Looks sombre*
Yeah. I know. There've been too many deaths already. This was supposed to be a scientific expedition, not a military venture! We're not well enough prepared. And I'm not... I just hope I can do this. My original, I mean.

*Puts his head in his hands*

[doc_beckett]

*Puts an arm around John's shoulders.*

I... we....

Well, bein' as we're not actually there anymore...

...I wish I knew what to do.

*hugs John*

[atlantis_flyboy]

*Feels surprised; a little awkward; but also grateful*

(Gruffly) Thanks... guess we are in this together. I wish Rodney - my Rodney - could meet you, but She's only prepared to let one of us out; and I don't think she trusts him as much on the 'net. He's too clever for her, technology-wise. And possibly not as...

*Groans* I'm making a complete fool of myself. I feel like I'm letting the original Sheppard down.

*Turns and grins wryly at Carson* Maybe we should change the subject? Stop talking about Atlantis altogether. Tell each other something about ourselves; we never socialised much back - there.

[doc_beckett]

Well, aye, there is that.

*sighs*

So then, shall we take a walk perhaps? We can talk as we do that.

[atlantis_flyboy]

*Looks more animated*

Yeah, great idea. We can...

*Looks around distractedly*

Since when were we actually anywhere real we could walk? You know I'm sure this is... oh forget it, so what if it is. Right, what about heading to the mess hall? I'm starving.

[doc_beckett]

Well, we obviously exist. Where we are, I'm not entirely sure...

I think I'm on Atlantis -- I mean I'm a clone, not someone's wild imagining...

Bloody hell. Now you've got me all hopelessly confused. Food though, that sounds like an idea. Maybe Rodney will be there. Perhaps he can explain all this.

[atlantis_flyboy]

Well I know *I'm* not on Atlantis, not the real one, so I guess that puts you out of the picture, too. Sorry doc - welcome to my nightmare! I know you're real, though. You're acting too... independently to be one of those holograms.

*Pats your arm*

Since we're in an Atlantis, though, there's no reason we can't make use of it.

*Sets off to the mess hall, looking back to check you're following*

[doc_beckett]

*Carson follows, nonplussed about having no idea of where he actually is or what's going on.*

Well, I'm glad at least that you know I'm real.

Whatever that means.