[ At least John is talking, which Charles takes as an opportunity to attempt to reach him the usual way-- but distance or something else, or both, make this a short lived attempt. ]
I do understand. I know what it's like to want to help people, having failed them once before. But you're part of Security, they have a way of doing things, yes?
Their way of doing things--you mean you think I need backup? [ He laughs, almost too easily. ] It's only Teer.
[ The calling is more urgent, and for almost forty seconds Sheppard says absolutely nothing at all, though the line is still open, made obvious by the sound of his feet in the corridor, footsteps occasionally pausing as he listens. ]
Deck 40. I think. It could be anywhere. Listen, it's going to be fine. I do this sort of thing all the time. Rescuing the beautiful damsel in distress, saving the day... You don't have to worry about me.
No, [ He says, answering a question that wasn't asked. Maybe he asked it of himself, firmly enough that it took shape-- ] It has to be Teer, who else could it be?
[ Chaya, Teyla, Larrin or Elizabeth. It feels like a woman's voice. Maybe it's Colonel Carter, but it feels... He wants to recognize the voice. He wants to with enough determination that he's convinced himself it's Teer, but there is so much room for doubt, and no time to let it in. ]
It doesn't matter about me. I have to go to her. I know you understand. [ Then he amends: ] You will understand, Charles.
No--no, I have to go. I have to go. [ A pause, and then it's very clear that Sheppard isn't talking to Charles any more. ] I'm coming. [ The sound of rushed footsteps and suddenly a heady whirl of static. ] Don't go -------- -- com---.
voice;
I do understand. I know what it's like to want to help people, having failed them once before. But you're part of Security, they have a way of doing things, yes?
[ One hopes. ]
Where are you?
voice;
[ The calling is more urgent, and for almost forty seconds Sheppard says absolutely nothing at all, though the line is still open, made obvious by the sound of his feet in the corridor, footsteps occasionally pausing as he listens. ]
Deck 40. I think. It could be anywhere. Listen, it's going to be fine. I do this sort of thing all the time. Rescuing the beautiful damsel in distress, saving the day... You don't have to worry about me.
voice;
[ S i g h. Charles listens to silence, trying to get any cue of someone calling for Sheppard, but nothing. Just foot steps.
It could be anywhere. ]
You were worried about you a moment ago, and now I am. You don't sound right.
voice;
[ Chaya, Teyla, Larrin or Elizabeth. It feels like a woman's voice. Maybe it's Colonel Carter, but it feels... He wants to recognize the voice. He wants to with enough determination that he's convinced himself it's Teer, but there is so much room for doubt, and no time to let it in. ]
It doesn't matter about me. I have to go to her. I know you understand. [ Then he amends: ] You will understand, Charles.
voice;
[ He's totally about to do something rash. In fact, Charles expects he has no choice, now. ]
You have to stay where you are--
voice;
[ Disconnect. ]
voice;
[ But the static is familiar. He knows what that portends.
A disconnect. ]
Damn.