GH/SGA Fic - Part 2/?
Title: Untitled
Author: normative_jean
Fandom: General Hospital/Stargate Atlantis
Rating: PG/PG-13
Timeline: takes place July 2006 in the middle of the Robin/Patrick breakup, and post Atlantis episode 3x02 (canon gets shot to hell for both shows after this)
***
Chapter 2: ...And Curiouser
Robin sat down behind her desk and gestured for Elizabeth and Carson to take the seats on the other side. She brushed her hair over her shoulders and adjusted the collar of her shirt, then folded her hands on the desk. She waited for Elizabeth to speak.
"I want to thank you for taking the time to speak with us, Dr. Scorpio," Elizabeth said warmly. "I realize that you're a very busy physician, and your time should belong to your patients."
"It's no problem at all," Robin replied carefully. "The two of you are pretty important people as well." She hid her satisfaction at the slight surprise that registered on Elizabeth's face at her recognition. "I'm sure you wouldn't be here unless it was important."
As Carson moved to pull something out of his briefcase, Elizabeth addressed Robin's previous comment. "I didn't realize you were aware of who we were."
"Well, I'm something of a special case," Robin said lightly. "I saw you speak once at the Sorbonne, and Dr. Beckett, well, his record speaks for itself in medical circles."
"You have an incredible résumé, Dr. Scorpio," Carson said, looking up from a file in his lap. "Leaving alone the caliber of your education, the research you've already accomplished at such a young age is quite remarkable." He grinned affably at Robin, genuine respect coloring his face. "You're work on drugs to control cerebrospinal fluid leaks was brilliant."
Robin sat back slightly, surprised at the level of knowledge Carson displayed about her work. "Thank you," she smiled genuinely. "I have to say, I'm quite a fan of yours too, Dr. Beckett. Your paper on isolating multifactoral inherited diseases almost made me switch my specialty to genetics." With a quirk of her lips, she added, "Almost."
Carson laughed good-naturedly. "Aye, well, you could make a man turn, too." His eyes widened as he thought about his words. "Oh, dear. I didn't mean that the way it sounded." He turned to Elizabeth. "I really didn't mean that the way it sounded."
Elizabeth placed a hand on his arm, steadying him. "Its all right." Smiling at Robin, she said, "I think we can all agree that Dr. Scorpio has quite an impressive CV. In fact," she said, her demeanor suddenly becoming serious, "That's why we're here."
Robin glanced towards the door where the Marines waited outside. "I had a feeling you didn't stop by to exchange some random pleasantries." Folding her arms across her chest, she raised an eyebrow at Elizabeth, matching the other woman's professional tone. "Would you like to explain why an avowed pacifist is walking around with a Marine platoon? Or why one of the world's foremost medical researchers disappeared off the face of the earth three years ago?"
Elizabeth's eyes widened slightly, but she nodded in satisfaction. "You certainly pay attention to things."
"When two high-profile people disappear for years at a time and then suddenly reappear, it is cause for some concern," Robin said dryly.
"Hm," Elizabeth mused. "And what do you think the reason is for two high-profile people to 'disappear,' as you say?"
Taking in Elizabeth's appraising expression, Robin realized she had been right about whatever was going on. Elizabeth was studying her. They wanted her for something. "When high-profile people disappear," she replied carefully, "It's usually the result of one of two things: either they've been killed or they've been hidden."
"Now, who would do such a thing?" Elizabeth asked coolly, watching Robin's reaction.
Robin narrowed her eyes. "What do you want?" she asked plainly. "I've had enough government conspiracies to last me a lifetime."
Carson looked at Elizabeth in confusion. "What does she mean?"
Not letting go of Robin's gaze, Elizabeth replied, "She's referring to her parents. World Security Bureau, correct?"
Robin's eyes widened in shock, and Carson's jaw dropped.
"Are you bloody joking?" he asked. "I thought that was all just rumor."
Elizabeth shook her head. "The World Security Bureau has been the law enforcement and intelligence arm of the United Nations since its inception. Global security protected by a truly global task force, under the purview of global oversight."
"All kept carefully concealed from the public at large," Robin noted, suddenly struggling to find her bearings in the conversation. "How did you know about my parents?"
"I'm afraid I can't tell you that right now," Elizabeth said. "It's classified."
Robin snorted. "Of course it is. It's always classified."
"Dr. Scorpio." Elizabeth leaned forward to appeal to Robin. "I wish I could tell you the exact nature of why we're here. But you must have already figured out that whatever Dr. Beckett and I are involved in, it is a genuinely earth-shattering venture." She looked imploringly at Robin. "And we want you to join us."
Robin blinked. "Ex...excuse me?" she forced out. "Join you in what?"
Elizabeth sighed. "I can't tell you that yet. But suffice it to say, your research could change the world."
"How?" Robin asked.
"It's classified." Elizabeth shook her head sadly. "Believe me, I wish I could tell you. But you have to sign a one-year blind commitment before I can say anything, not to mention signing national security confidentiality form."
A small gasp escaped Robin. "What in the world are you people doing?"
Carson chuckled. "Interesting choice of words."
"Carson," Elizabeth warned quietly. "You would be working on Dr. Beckett's research team, which I can assure you is second to none, and you would have access to the most advanced facilities known to mankind."
Robin shook her head slightly, unable to take in the enormity of what was being asked of her. "A blind commitment? National security?" She gaped at the two people sitting across from her. "I'm sorry, but I don't understand." She let out a shaky laugh. "You know, stuff like this never ends well."
Elizabeth nodded. "I completely agree with you. But there are some things that the world is simply not ready to deal with yet, and this is one of those things."
Robin narrowed her eyes at that. "What happened to you?" she asked. "Geopolitics may not have been my area of study, but everyone knew that you were completely against government secrecy, especially when it came to doing things for the public's 'own good.'"
Elizabeth sighed. "I must sound like a broken record by now, but that's--"
"Classified," Robin sighed. "I got it. Look, I appreciate being considered for..." she waved her hand around as she searched for the right word, "Whatever it is you two are doing, but I just can't participate in something that involves so much secrecy and classification."
Carson abruptly sat up. "Please just listen for a moment, Dr. Scorpio," he said frantically. "I realize that we're what we're saying is a wee bit much to take in, but I promise you, you're work would be for the benefit of the entire world."
"Dr. Beckett," Robin said, not unkindly, "I appreciate whatever opportunity you're offering me, really, I do. The chance to work with someone like you would be amazing, but after what I went through with my parents," she looked at Elizabeth, "And I'm sure Dr. Weir somehow knows the details of that, too, I can't do something so secretive. I promised myself that I would never be involved in the kind of work that my parents were."
"But, Dr. Scorpio," Carson tried again.
"I'm sorry," Robin said again, "But I just can't--" She broke off as her pager began beeping. Unclipping it from her waist, she read the message and stood up. "I'm sorry, but I have to go. It's a 911 from the emergency room."
Elizabeth and Carson stood as well. "Dr. Scorpio," Elizabeth said, "Please at least consider what we've said to you."
Robin shook her head. "I'm sorry," she said as she reached the door. Putting her hand on the knob, she paused and turned around. "You're not going to bug my office or anything after I leave, are you?"
Elizabeth laughed lightly. "Don't worry about that. We put in the recording devices a week ago."
Robin gave a weak laugh. "Yeah," she muttered. "That's exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about."
She left, and Carson turned to Elizabeth. "I'm going after her," he said firmly, heading for the door.
"Carson," she replied gently, "She seemed very firm in her denial. Do you really think going after her in the middle of a crisis situation is the best way to convince her to join the expedition?"
Carson gave a cheeky grin. "Actually, it's been my experience that the best way to get a doctor to agree to do something is to ask them when they're in the middle of a medical emergency."
He left the office, and Elizabeth reached up and pinched the bridge of her nose. Taking a deep breath, she headed out to follow her Chief Medical Advisor to the emergency room of Port Charles General Hospital to help him harass a fellow doctor in the middle of a trauma.
"Oh," she said aloud, "There is no way that this is going to end well."
***
"What have we got?" Robin asked, rushing over to the gurney in the middle of the ER.
"Stage II brain tumor," Dr. Patrick Drake said brusquely, already working on the patient. "He collapsed at home, and paramedics couldn't revive him in the field."
Robin quickly looked over the patient's chart. "It sounds like a basic complication from the cancer," she said. "Why'd you page me?"
Patrick gestured to the chart. "Because he was undergoing a trail of a new chemo drug when he collapsed."
Robin put her stethoscope on and began examining the patient along with Patrick. "That new dual-transfer neuron inhibitor?" she asked in disbelief. "That was barely proven in clinicals. What was this guy's doctor thinking?"
"Apparently, his oncologist is over at Mercy West." Patrick rolled his eyes at the mention of what he considered to be an inferior hospital. "What do you expect?"
Robin couldn't help but nod. "He's going to have to be put on a complete retroactive drug panel."
Patrick's eyes shone with excitement. "I know. And the tumor is just on top of the left orbital nerve..."
Robin's eyes widened in comprehension. "You're going to try a Helsinki Procedure?" she asked excitedly.
"You're going to try a what?"
Robin and Patrick whipped around to look at Carson, who was standing beside the gurney. "Are you out of your bloody mind, boy?" Carson asked incredulously. "Have you ever even seen one of those performed?"
Patrick bristled. "I've seen it twice, and been on the floor for one. And who the hell are you?"
"Patrick, this is Dr. Carson Beckett," Robin sighed, her enthusiasm leaving her. "What are you doing here?"
"The geneticist-surgeon?" Patrick let out a low whistle. "Damn. You were at the top of the game. Where'd you go."
"Please," Robin begged dryly. "Don't ask that question."
Carson looked at Robin, ignoring Elizabeth and the Marines who stood off to the side of the emergency room. "I just think you should carefully consider the offer before deciding anything."
"And I've already told you--"
"Robin, let the good doctor talk," Patrick smirked. "After all, it isn't every day that a brilliant surgeon makes you an offer...oh wait, that's right. You work with me. You always get brilliant offers."
Robin rolled her eyes. "My God, are you actually going to do this now?"
The smirk fell off Patrick's face. "Look, do you want in on the surgery or not? If you are, I need you figuring out a new drug cocktail for the poor bastard before his oncologist kills him."
"Yes," Robin snapped. "Of course I'm in. As if I'd let you do a Helsinki without some adult supervision."
"Kinky, Scorpio."
"Oh, shut up."
They began wheeling the patient towards the elevators and up to the surgical floor. Carson stopped and ran back to Elizabeth. "Elizabeth..."
Elizabeth shook her head. "You aren't seriously asking to--"
"Elizabeth, he was on the short list anyway," Carson said quietly. "I want to see how he works, not to mention tha' I've never seen a Helsinki Procedure in person."
She sighed. "Fine. Go. But!" she called Carson back before he could run to the elevators. "I want your promise that you can use this somehow to convince Dr. Scorpio to join the expedition." She raised an eyebrow in significance. "That is, after all, the reason we came to New York. Not for you to watch new surgical procedures." She quirked her lips. "Remember all the cool new toys just waiting for you back on Atlantis?"
Carson nodded. "I know. And tha's why I want to go. I want to see them both in action. I want to know if they really live up to their reputations."
***
Elizabeth stood up when Carson emerged from the operating room. He was smiling widely when he pulled off his surgical mask.
"Oh, no," she said. "I know that look."
"Elizabeth," Carson urged quietly. "I want him."
"We came here for Dr. Scorpio."
Carson nodded. "Aye. But Dr. Drake was on the short list as well." He looked imploringly at his boss and friend. "I've never seen a surgeon that gifted, Elizabeth. He's brilliant, and giving him access to the Ancient technology could help to revolutionize surgery on Earth. Also..."
Elizabeth sighed. Of course there was an 'also,' she thought. "What?"
"The way those two worked together," he said. "It was incredible. I've never seen a surgical team operate like that before. They were completely in synch with each other, and their respective knowledge areas complemented each other in a way unlike anything I've worked with before. I want them both."
"Carson..."
"Elizabeth," he pressed. "The earth needs them both. You know I wouldn't be asking you for this if I didn't think it was really, truly necessary."
Elizabeth sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose vainly trying to fight off the fast-forming headache. "Is it necessary enough that you'd be willing to risk Rodney's wrath if I give one of the science positions to Dr. Drake?"
Carson nodded determinedly. "Aye, it is."
Pursing her lips, Elizabeth nodded in defeat. She walked over to the corner of the room, not even noticing the Marines changing position slightly to accommodate her movements. Pulling out her cell phone, Elizabeth dialed a number she had been told only to use if the fate of the world was at stake.
"General O'Neill? It's Dr. Weir. I need you to give me special permission to inform two key scientists about Atlantis to convince them to join us... Dr. Robin Scorpio and Dr. Patrick Drake... Yes, sir. I need to tell them everything."
Author: normative_jean
Fandom: General Hospital/Stargate Atlantis
Rating: PG/PG-13
Timeline: takes place July 2006 in the middle of the Robin/Patrick breakup, and post Atlantis episode 3x02 (canon gets shot to hell for both shows after this)
***
Chapter 2: ...And Curiouser
Robin sat down behind her desk and gestured for Elizabeth and Carson to take the seats on the other side. She brushed her hair over her shoulders and adjusted the collar of her shirt, then folded her hands on the desk. She waited for Elizabeth to speak.
"I want to thank you for taking the time to speak with us, Dr. Scorpio," Elizabeth said warmly. "I realize that you're a very busy physician, and your time should belong to your patients."
"It's no problem at all," Robin replied carefully. "The two of you are pretty important people as well." She hid her satisfaction at the slight surprise that registered on Elizabeth's face at her recognition. "I'm sure you wouldn't be here unless it was important."
As Carson moved to pull something out of his briefcase, Elizabeth addressed Robin's previous comment. "I didn't realize you were aware of who we were."
"Well, I'm something of a special case," Robin said lightly. "I saw you speak once at the Sorbonne, and Dr. Beckett, well, his record speaks for itself in medical circles."
"You have an incredible résumé, Dr. Scorpio," Carson said, looking up from a file in his lap. "Leaving alone the caliber of your education, the research you've already accomplished at such a young age is quite remarkable." He grinned affably at Robin, genuine respect coloring his face. "You're work on drugs to control cerebrospinal fluid leaks was brilliant."
Robin sat back slightly, surprised at the level of knowledge Carson displayed about her work. "Thank you," she smiled genuinely. "I have to say, I'm quite a fan of yours too, Dr. Beckett. Your paper on isolating multifactoral inherited diseases almost made me switch my specialty to genetics." With a quirk of her lips, she added, "Almost."
Carson laughed good-naturedly. "Aye, well, you could make a man turn, too." His eyes widened as he thought about his words. "Oh, dear. I didn't mean that the way it sounded." He turned to Elizabeth. "I really didn't mean that the way it sounded."
Elizabeth placed a hand on his arm, steadying him. "Its all right." Smiling at Robin, she said, "I think we can all agree that Dr. Scorpio has quite an impressive CV. In fact," she said, her demeanor suddenly becoming serious, "That's why we're here."
Robin glanced towards the door where the Marines waited outside. "I had a feeling you didn't stop by to exchange some random pleasantries." Folding her arms across her chest, she raised an eyebrow at Elizabeth, matching the other woman's professional tone. "Would you like to explain why an avowed pacifist is walking around with a Marine platoon? Or why one of the world's foremost medical researchers disappeared off the face of the earth three years ago?"
Elizabeth's eyes widened slightly, but she nodded in satisfaction. "You certainly pay attention to things."
"When two high-profile people disappear for years at a time and then suddenly reappear, it is cause for some concern," Robin said dryly.
"Hm," Elizabeth mused. "And what do you think the reason is for two high-profile people to 'disappear,' as you say?"
Taking in Elizabeth's appraising expression, Robin realized she had been right about whatever was going on. Elizabeth was studying her. They wanted her for something. "When high-profile people disappear," she replied carefully, "It's usually the result of one of two things: either they've been killed or they've been hidden."
"Now, who would do such a thing?" Elizabeth asked coolly, watching Robin's reaction.
Robin narrowed her eyes. "What do you want?" she asked plainly. "I've had enough government conspiracies to last me a lifetime."
Carson looked at Elizabeth in confusion. "What does she mean?"
Not letting go of Robin's gaze, Elizabeth replied, "She's referring to her parents. World Security Bureau, correct?"
Robin's eyes widened in shock, and Carson's jaw dropped.
"Are you bloody joking?" he asked. "I thought that was all just rumor."
Elizabeth shook her head. "The World Security Bureau has been the law enforcement and intelligence arm of the United Nations since its inception. Global security protected by a truly global task force, under the purview of global oversight."
"All kept carefully concealed from the public at large," Robin noted, suddenly struggling to find her bearings in the conversation. "How did you know about my parents?"
"I'm afraid I can't tell you that right now," Elizabeth said. "It's classified."
Robin snorted. "Of course it is. It's always classified."
"Dr. Scorpio." Elizabeth leaned forward to appeal to Robin. "I wish I could tell you the exact nature of why we're here. But you must have already figured out that whatever Dr. Beckett and I are involved in, it is a genuinely earth-shattering venture." She looked imploringly at Robin. "And we want you to join us."
Robin blinked. "Ex...excuse me?" she forced out. "Join you in what?"
Elizabeth sighed. "I can't tell you that yet. But suffice it to say, your research could change the world."
"How?" Robin asked.
"It's classified." Elizabeth shook her head sadly. "Believe me, I wish I could tell you. But you have to sign a one-year blind commitment before I can say anything, not to mention signing national security confidentiality form."
A small gasp escaped Robin. "What in the world are you people doing?"
Carson chuckled. "Interesting choice of words."
"Carson," Elizabeth warned quietly. "You would be working on Dr. Beckett's research team, which I can assure you is second to none, and you would have access to the most advanced facilities known to mankind."
Robin shook her head slightly, unable to take in the enormity of what was being asked of her. "A blind commitment? National security?" She gaped at the two people sitting across from her. "I'm sorry, but I don't understand." She let out a shaky laugh. "You know, stuff like this never ends well."
Elizabeth nodded. "I completely agree with you. But there are some things that the world is simply not ready to deal with yet, and this is one of those things."
Robin narrowed her eyes at that. "What happened to you?" she asked. "Geopolitics may not have been my area of study, but everyone knew that you were completely against government secrecy, especially when it came to doing things for the public's 'own good.'"
Elizabeth sighed. "I must sound like a broken record by now, but that's--"
"Classified," Robin sighed. "I got it. Look, I appreciate being considered for..." she waved her hand around as she searched for the right word, "Whatever it is you two are doing, but I just can't participate in something that involves so much secrecy and classification."
Carson abruptly sat up. "Please just listen for a moment, Dr. Scorpio," he said frantically. "I realize that we're what we're saying is a wee bit much to take in, but I promise you, you're work would be for the benefit of the entire world."
"Dr. Beckett," Robin said, not unkindly, "I appreciate whatever opportunity you're offering me, really, I do. The chance to work with someone like you would be amazing, but after what I went through with my parents," she looked at Elizabeth, "And I'm sure Dr. Weir somehow knows the details of that, too, I can't do something so secretive. I promised myself that I would never be involved in the kind of work that my parents were."
"But, Dr. Scorpio," Carson tried again.
"I'm sorry," Robin said again, "But I just can't--" She broke off as her pager began beeping. Unclipping it from her waist, she read the message and stood up. "I'm sorry, but I have to go. It's a 911 from the emergency room."
Elizabeth and Carson stood as well. "Dr. Scorpio," Elizabeth said, "Please at least consider what we've said to you."
Robin shook her head. "I'm sorry," she said as she reached the door. Putting her hand on the knob, she paused and turned around. "You're not going to bug my office or anything after I leave, are you?"
Elizabeth laughed lightly. "Don't worry about that. We put in the recording devices a week ago."
Robin gave a weak laugh. "Yeah," she muttered. "That's exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about."
She left, and Carson turned to Elizabeth. "I'm going after her," he said firmly, heading for the door.
"Carson," she replied gently, "She seemed very firm in her denial. Do you really think going after her in the middle of a crisis situation is the best way to convince her to join the expedition?"
Carson gave a cheeky grin. "Actually, it's been my experience that the best way to get a doctor to agree to do something is to ask them when they're in the middle of a medical emergency."
He left the office, and Elizabeth reached up and pinched the bridge of her nose. Taking a deep breath, she headed out to follow her Chief Medical Advisor to the emergency room of Port Charles General Hospital to help him harass a fellow doctor in the middle of a trauma.
"Oh," she said aloud, "There is no way that this is going to end well."
***
"What have we got?" Robin asked, rushing over to the gurney in the middle of the ER.
"Stage II brain tumor," Dr. Patrick Drake said brusquely, already working on the patient. "He collapsed at home, and paramedics couldn't revive him in the field."
Robin quickly looked over the patient's chart. "It sounds like a basic complication from the cancer," she said. "Why'd you page me?"
Patrick gestured to the chart. "Because he was undergoing a trail of a new chemo drug when he collapsed."
Robin put her stethoscope on and began examining the patient along with Patrick. "That new dual-transfer neuron inhibitor?" she asked in disbelief. "That was barely proven in clinicals. What was this guy's doctor thinking?"
"Apparently, his oncologist is over at Mercy West." Patrick rolled his eyes at the mention of what he considered to be an inferior hospital. "What do you expect?"
Robin couldn't help but nod. "He's going to have to be put on a complete retroactive drug panel."
Patrick's eyes shone with excitement. "I know. And the tumor is just on top of the left orbital nerve..."
Robin's eyes widened in comprehension. "You're going to try a Helsinki Procedure?" she asked excitedly.
"You're going to try a what?"
Robin and Patrick whipped around to look at Carson, who was standing beside the gurney. "Are you out of your bloody mind, boy?" Carson asked incredulously. "Have you ever even seen one of those performed?"
Patrick bristled. "I've seen it twice, and been on the floor for one. And who the hell are you?"
"Patrick, this is Dr. Carson Beckett," Robin sighed, her enthusiasm leaving her. "What are you doing here?"
"The geneticist-surgeon?" Patrick let out a low whistle. "Damn. You were at the top of the game. Where'd you go."
"Please," Robin begged dryly. "Don't ask that question."
Carson looked at Robin, ignoring Elizabeth and the Marines who stood off to the side of the emergency room. "I just think you should carefully consider the offer before deciding anything."
"And I've already told you--"
"Robin, let the good doctor talk," Patrick smirked. "After all, it isn't every day that a brilliant surgeon makes you an offer...oh wait, that's right. You work with me. You always get brilliant offers."
Robin rolled her eyes. "My God, are you actually going to do this now?"
The smirk fell off Patrick's face. "Look, do you want in on the surgery or not? If you are, I need you figuring out a new drug cocktail for the poor bastard before his oncologist kills him."
"Yes," Robin snapped. "Of course I'm in. As if I'd let you do a Helsinki without some adult supervision."
"Kinky, Scorpio."
"Oh, shut up."
They began wheeling the patient towards the elevators and up to the surgical floor. Carson stopped and ran back to Elizabeth. "Elizabeth..."
Elizabeth shook her head. "You aren't seriously asking to--"
"Elizabeth, he was on the short list anyway," Carson said quietly. "I want to see how he works, not to mention tha' I've never seen a Helsinki Procedure in person."
She sighed. "Fine. Go. But!" she called Carson back before he could run to the elevators. "I want your promise that you can use this somehow to convince Dr. Scorpio to join the expedition." She raised an eyebrow in significance. "That is, after all, the reason we came to New York. Not for you to watch new surgical procedures." She quirked her lips. "Remember all the cool new toys just waiting for you back on Atlantis?"
Carson nodded. "I know. And tha's why I want to go. I want to see them both in action. I want to know if they really live up to their reputations."
***
Elizabeth stood up when Carson emerged from the operating room. He was smiling widely when he pulled off his surgical mask.
"Oh, no," she said. "I know that look."
"Elizabeth," Carson urged quietly. "I want him."
"We came here for Dr. Scorpio."
Carson nodded. "Aye. But Dr. Drake was on the short list as well." He looked imploringly at his boss and friend. "I've never seen a surgeon that gifted, Elizabeth. He's brilliant, and giving him access to the Ancient technology could help to revolutionize surgery on Earth. Also..."
Elizabeth sighed. Of course there was an 'also,' she thought. "What?"
"The way those two worked together," he said. "It was incredible. I've never seen a surgical team operate like that before. They were completely in synch with each other, and their respective knowledge areas complemented each other in a way unlike anything I've worked with before. I want them both."
"Carson..."
"Elizabeth," he pressed. "The earth needs them both. You know I wouldn't be asking you for this if I didn't think it was really, truly necessary."
Elizabeth sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose vainly trying to fight off the fast-forming headache. "Is it necessary enough that you'd be willing to risk Rodney's wrath if I give one of the science positions to Dr. Drake?"
Carson nodded determinedly. "Aye, it is."
Pursing her lips, Elizabeth nodded in defeat. She walked over to the corner of the room, not even noticing the Marines changing position slightly to accommodate her movements. Pulling out her cell phone, Elizabeth dialed a number she had been told only to use if the fate of the world was at stake.
"General O'Neill? It's Dr. Weir. I need you to give me special permission to inform two key scientists about Atlantis to convince them to join us... Dr. Robin Scorpio and Dr. Patrick Drake... Yes, sir. I need to tell them everything."