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caraniel13 · 7 days ago

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Across Dimensions : Chapter 33

AD1 AD2 AD3 AD4 AD5 AD6 AD7 AD8 AD9 AD10 AD11 AD12 AD13 AD14 AD15 AD16 AD17 AD18 AD19 AD20 AD21 AD22 AD23 AD24 AD25 AD26 AD27 AD28 AD29 AD30 AD31 AD32

Chapter 33: Integrated Whole

Six months later

The morning light streaming through the east windows of Atlantis's main conference room cast everything in warm gold as Dr. Chephren Mitchell-Lorne reviewed the quarterly linguistics report on her tablet. The hyphenated name still felt new on official documents, though she'd been wearing Lorne's ring for half a year now. Their wedding three months ago had been everything she'd hoped for—a perfect blend of Earth traditions, Athosian customs, and uniquely Atlantis touches that Carson still declared "the finest ceremony I've ever had the privilege to officiate."

"Dr. Mitchell-Lorne," Dr. Weir began, and Cheppy looked up with a smile that had become automatic whenever someone used her married name. "Your translation department's progress this quarter has been exceptional. The new Ancient medical protocols you've decoded have already improved our treatment success rates by thirty percent."

"It helps having a fully integrated team," Cheppy replied, gesturing to the holographic display showing her department's expanded operations. "Dr. Kusanagi's mathematical approach to syntax patterns and Lieutenant Cadman's field experience with Ancient technology have created a comprehensive translation matrix that's faster and more accurate than anything we've achieved before."

Six months of growth had transformed her small linguistics operation into a full department. What had begun as Carson's kindness in giving her basic medical texts to translate had evolved into Atlantis's most successful interdisciplinary collaboration—linguistics, mathematics, archaeology, and field operations working together to unlock Ancient knowledge with unprecedented efficiency.

"The collaboration with the parallel Atlantis has been particularly fruitful," McKay added from his position at the science department's section of the table. "Dr. Marie Mitchell's insights into dimensional communication arrays have revolutionized our understanding of quantum mechanics applications."

The dimensional communication array had become a bridge between realities, allowing both Atlantises to share discoveries and support each other's research. Marie's regular transmissions showed her continued growth and integration with her new team, while providing valuable technical insights that benefited both expeditions.

"Speaking of cross-dimensional collaboration," Sheppard interjected with a slight grin, "we received another message from Marie yesterday. She wanted to congratulate the newlyweds again and share some interesting news about their recent exploration of Ancient research stations."

Cheppy straightened with interest. Marie's messages had become highlights of their monthly communications—not just for the technical data, but for the ongoing evidence of her personal transformation.

"What kind of news?"

"See for yourself," Weir said, activating the communication display.

Marie's image appeared above the conference table, and the change from her original arrival at Atlantis was striking. Gone was the polished, calculating professional who had tried to undermine Cheppy's position. This version looked relaxed, confident in a way that came from genuine acceptance rather than defensive superiority. Her hair was pulled back in a practical braid, and she wore expedition gear that showed signs of recent field work.

"Greetings from parallel Atlantis," Marie began with warmth that would have been impossible six months ago. "I hope everyone is well and that the newlyweds are enjoying married life. Things here continue to evolve in ways I never expected."

The background showed parts of their Atlantis—bustling with activity as personnel went about their duties with the easy efficiency of a team that had learned to work together under pressure.

"We've had some remarkable discoveries lately, particularly in the field of Ancient medical technology. Dr. Chen and I have been working on something we think you'll find interesting—a synthesis of Ancient healing techniques with modern medical understanding that's shown promise for treating complex chronic conditions."

Cheppy's hand automatically moved to her insulin pump, the gesture now unconscious but still a reminder of how her condition had shaped her analytical approach to both language and life.

"The research has personal significance for me," Marie continued, her expression becoming more thoughtful. "Working with people who needed my expertise immediately, without time for competitive games, taught me something important about the value of solving problems that help others rather than just advancing my own career."

"She's found her purpose," Carson observed quietly, his paternal pride evident. "Using her brilliance to help people rather than to prove her superiority."

"More than that," Marie said, as if she'd heard his comment across dimensions, "I've learned what Cheppy tried to tell me about building genuine connections. My team here isn't just professional colleagues—they've become friends. People I care about beyond what they can do for my research."

Marie's smile was soft, genuine in a way that spoke of hard-won wisdom. "Lieutenant Commander Torres has been teaching me Earth poker games, Dr. Chen and I have started a book club focusing on pre-war literature, and Sergeant Phillips somehow convinced me to join their hiking group. It sounds mundane, but these simple human connections have given me something I never had before—belonging that's based on who I am, not just what I can accomplish."

The message continued with technical details about their medical research discoveries, including breakthrough treatments for metabolic disorders that could have applications across multiple realities. But what struck Cheppy most was the transformation in Marie's entire demeanor—from isolated genius to integrated team member.

"Before I close," Marie said, looking directly into the camera, "I want to say something to my counterpart, if she's watching. Cheppy, thank you for showing me what real success looks like. It's not about being the smartest person in the room—it's about using your intelligence to make everyone in the room better. I'm finally learning to be that kind of person."

As the message ended, the conference room fell into thoughtful silence. The contrast between the Marie who had arrived at Atlantis and the woman they'd just seen was profound—a living example of how circumstances could shape character when someone was willing to grow.

"She found her true calling," Weir observed with satisfaction. "Leadership through service rather than dominance."

"And we found ours," Cheppy added, looking around the table at faces that had become family. "All of us, really. McKay collaborating instead of competing, Carson mentoring across departments, everyone learning that we're stronger together than any of us could be individually."

The quarterly meeting continued with reports from other departments, but Cheppy found herself reflecting on the journey that had brought them all to this point. What had begun as a crisis—her accidental arrival, Marie's competitive displacement, the quantum interference that threatened everything—had ultimately revealed truths about connection, belonging, and the different forms success could take.

Later that afternoon, Cheppy made her way to the new linguistics lab that had been constructed in the east pier. The space was larger than her original corner workstation, with multiple translation stations, holographic displays for collaborative analysis, and even a small library of physical books that Teyla had helped acquire from various cultures throughout Pegasus.

"Dr. Mitchell-Lorne," called Dr. Kusanagi from her mathematical analysis station, "I've finished the syntactic modeling for the Ancient historical texts from P7X-541. The pattern recognition algorithms you developed are showing some interesting correlations."

"What kind of correlations?" Cheppy asked, moving to examine the holographic display that showed complex linguistic structures mapped in three-dimensional space.

"The historical accounts reference technological capabilities we haven't encountered yet," Lieutenant Cadman reported from her field equipment analysis station. "Specifically, transportation systems that might be more advanced than the ring transporters we're familiar with."

Cheppy studied the data, her pattern recognition skills immediately identifying the linguistic markers that suggested advanced Ancient technology. "This looks like descriptions of instantaneous transport across galactic distances. Not just between planets, but between star systems."

"Useful if it still exists anywhere," Kusanagi observed hopefully.

"It might," Cheppy said, highlighting specific symbol groups in the text. "These passages suggest the technology was preserved in secure facilities designed to survive the war with the Wraith. Hidden sites that would only become accessible when certain conditions were met."

"Like finding people who could properly translate the access protocols?" Cadman suggested with growing excitement.

"Exactly like that," Cheppy confirmed, already mentally composing a proposal for Dr. Weir. This was what she loved most about her work now—not just translating Ancient texts, but uncovering discoveries that could benefit the entire expedition.

Her radio activated with Lorne's voice: "Cheppy, are you free for an early dinner? I have something I want to show you."

"Always free for you," she replied, then addressed her team. "Excellent work today, everyone. Dr. Kusanagi, please prepare a full analysis of the transportation references for tomorrow's briefing. Lieutenant Cadman, check our Ancient database for any similar technological descriptions."

"You've got it, boss," Cadman replied with a casual salute that still amused Cheppy. Being called "boss" by someone with military training felt surreal, but natural given how their collaborative team had evolved.

She found Lorne waiting in their quarters with a bottle of Athosian wine and an expression of quiet satisfaction that suggested good news.

"What's the occasion?" she asked, accepting a glass of the amber liquid that had become their celebration drink for special moments.

"Two things," he replied, settling beside her on their couch. "First, Sheppard confirmed my promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. Effective next month."

"Evan!" Cheppy exclaimed, setting down her wine to throw her arms around him. "That's wonderful! Well deserved, but wonderful."

"It means more responsibility, probably longer hours, definitely more bureaucratic headaches," he warned, though his smile was broad. "But also more influence over expedition policies, better resource allocation for joint operations, and the authority to implement some ideas I've been developing about integrated team protocols."

"Ideas that might involve a certain linguistics department?" she asked with growing excitement.

"Ideas that definitely involve making sure the expedition's best translator gets the support and resources she deserves," he confirmed, pulling her closer. "But that's not the only news."

He reached for a tablet on their coffee table, bringing up what appeared to be architectural schematics. "Remember the larger living spaces in the east pier that we talked about? The ones designed for families?"

Cheppy studied the plans, recognizing the layout of substantially larger quarters with multiple rooms, expanded workspace, and what appeared to be areas designed for children. "These are beautiful, but why are you showing me—" She stopped, understanding dawning. "We're approved for reassignment?"

"As of this morning," Lorne confirmed, his eyes bright with anticipation. "Dr. Weir fast-tracked our application based on what she called 'exceptional service to the expedition and the probability of continued long-term residence.'"

"Long-term residence," Cheppy repeated with amusement. "That's Weir's diplomatic way of saying 'they're obviously never leaving, so we might as well give them room to grow.'"

"Something like that," Lorne agreed. "But Cheppy, these quarters... they're designed for expansion. For more than just the two of us, when we're ready."

The implication sent warmth spreading through her chest. They'd talked about children in abstract terms, someday-maybes that felt distant given their extraordinary circumstances. But seeing these quarters, designed specifically for families, made those dreams feel tangible.

"When would we move?" she asked, studying the plans more carefully.

"Whenever we want," Lorne replied. "The quarters are available now, but there's no rush. We can take our time setting everything up exactly how we want it."

Cheppy looked around their current quarters—the space where they'd built their relationship, where she'd recovered from quantum cellular breakdown, where Lorne had proposed on their small balcony. It held so many memories, but the plans on the tablet represented something else: a future they were choosing to build together.

"I love this place," she said, gesturing to their current home. "But I love the idea of space to grow even more."

"Good," Lorne said, his relief evident. "Because I may have already spoken to Zelenka about some modifications to the workspace areas. Apparently, he has ideas about integrated Ancient technology interfaces that could revolutionize home-based research."

"You're spoiling me," Cheppy accused with delight.

"I'm planning for our future," he corrected. "All of it—your career, my promotion, the family we might want someday, the life we're building together that keeps getting better than we imagined."

As they sat together planning the details of their expanded home, Cheppy marveled at how far they'd all come. Six months ago, she'd been fighting for her right to exist in this reality, competing with another version of herself for basic acceptance. Now she was leading a thriving department, married to the man she loved, planning for a future that felt both exciting and secure.

That evening brought their monthly team dinner—a tradition that had evolved from Carson's informal gatherings into a celebration that included all the department heads and their closest colleagues. The mess hall had been arranged with multiple tables pushed together, creating space for what had become Atlantis's version of family dinner.

"To Lieutenant Colonel Lorne," Dr. Weir toasted, raising her glass of wine, "whose innovative leadership has improved both our security operations and our interdisciplinary collaborations."

"And to Dr. Mitchell-Lorne," McKay added with surprising warmth, "whose linguistics department has finally given us the translation accuracy we need to stop accidentally activating Ancient death traps."

"That happened one time, Rodney," Cheppy protested with laughter. "And technically, the booby trap was already active when we found it."

"Details," McKay waved dismissively, though his affection was evident. "The point is, your work keeps us alive and makes us smarter. Even I can admit that's valuable."

"High praise from McKay," Sheppard observed with amusement. "Pretty sure that counts as a declaration of eternal friendship."

"Let's not get carried away," McKay protested, though he couldn't hide his smile.

Carson stood to address the group, his expression warm with paternal pride. "If I may be permitted a moment of sentiment," he began, his Scottish accent thick with emotion, "when I first met our Cheppy eighteen months ago, she was lost and frightened, convinced she had nothing to offer this expedition."

Cheppy felt tears prick her eyes as Carson continued, "Tonight, she leads one of our most successful departments, has contributed to discoveries that benefit two realities, and has shown us all what it means to find your place through determination and genuine connection."

"And she makes Lorne smile more than we've ever seen," Teyla added with gentle humor. "Which improves morale throughout the expedition."

"I object to being characterized as grumpy before I met Cheppy," Lorne protested mildly.

"You weren't grumpy," Sheppard corrected. "You were just... professionally focused. Now you're professionally focused and genuinely happy. There's a difference."

As laughter and conversation flowed around the table, Cheppy found herself studying the faces of people who had become her chosen family. Each person had their own story of how they'd ended up in Atlantis, their own journey of finding purpose and connection in impossible circumstances.

"I have an announcement," she said, standing as conversation lulled. "Well, Evan and I have an announcement."

The table fell silent with anticipation, and she could see speculation flickering across various faces.

"We're moving to family quarters in the east pier next month," she began, then paused as understanding dawned on several faces. "Not for any immediate reason," she clarified quickly, "but because we're planning for a future that includes... expansion."

"Expansion?" Carson asked with growing delight.

"Someday," Lorne added, taking Cheppy's hand. "When we're ready for the adventure of raising children in another galaxy."

The table erupted in congratulations and excited planning, with Teyla immediately offering Athosian child-rearing wisdom, Carson discussing the medical considerations of pregnancy in Pegasus, and McKay grudgingly admitting that "little linguistic prodigies might be useful for future translation projects."

"Children who grow up bilingual in English and Ancient," Zelenka mused with scientific fascination. "The cognitive development possibilities are extraordinary."

"Children who grow up knowing that home is about the people you choose to build a life with," Cheppy corrected gently, "regardless of which galaxy you happen to be in."

Later that night, as she and Lorne prepared for bed in quarters that would soon be just a memory, Cheppy reflected on the extraordinary journey that had brought them to this point.

"Any regrets?" Lorne asked, echoing the question he'd posed on their balcony months ago.

"None," she replied without hesitation. "Though I sometimes wonder what would have happened if McKay's experiment had never malfunctioned, if I'd never been pulled through that portal."

"You'd probably still be at MIT, working late in empty laboratories, brilliant but lonely," Lorne suggested.

"And you'd still be here, leading missions and protecting Atlantis, professional but missing something essential," she added.

"We found each other across impossible odds," Lorne observed, pulling her into his arms. "Marie found her purpose in another reality. Everyone ended up exactly where they needed to be."

"Quantum entanglement," Cheppy said with a smile, using their old metaphor one more time. "Some connections transcend dimensions, circumstances, even time itself."

As they settled into sleep in the quiet darkness of their quarters, Cheppy's last conscious thought was one of profound gratitude. What had begun as the worst accident of her life had ultimately led to the best decision she'd ever made: choosing to stay, to fight for her place, to build something meaningful with people who had become essential to her understanding of home.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new discoveries, new opportunities to grow and contribute. But tonight, surrounded by the life they'd built together and planning for the future they would create, Dr. Chephren Mitchell-Lorne was exactly where she belonged—integrated whole, completely home, and ready for whatever adventures awaited them among the stars.

The accident had become destiny. The displacement had become belonging. The crisis had become the foundation for a life more fulfilling than anything she could have imagined.

In the end, home wasn't about the galaxy you were born in—it was about the connections you chose to nurture, the purpose you chose to pursue, and the love you chose to build, one day at a time, across any distance and despite any odds.

And in that understanding, surrounded by her chosen family in a city of ancient wonders, Cheppy Mitchell-Lorne had found her perfect, improbable, absolutely right place in the universe.

#stargate atlantis #evan lorne #original character #stargate

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apple88888888 · 9 months ago

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「黛安娜與卡莉絲托」(Diana and Callisto)

提香(Titian, 1488/90-1576)

1556-1559年，畫布上油彩，187 x 205公分

英國　倫敦　國家藝廊(National Gallery, London)

說明：

1550年代初，西班牙皇太子腓力二世(Philip II of Spain, 1527-1598)成為提香最重要的贊助人，而腓力二世更於1556年父親查理五世(Charles V, 1500-1558)退位後，繼任為西班牙國王。1553至1562年間，提香為腓力二世創作6幅富強烈情色感的神話題材畫作，包括1551-1553「達娜」、1554「維納斯與阿多尼斯」、1554-1556「普索斯與安德若美達」、1556-1559「黛安娜與阿克特安」、1556-1559「黛安娜與卡莉絲托」與1559-1562「掠奪歐蘿芭」，提香稱這些作品為「詩畫」(poesie)，這除了因為畫作靈感主要來自古羅馬詩人奧維德(Ovid, BC43-AD17)等人的作品外，也隱含提香認為這些畫與文學家的詩一樣具有創新性與文藝價值。此外，這些畫都描繪凡人在天神面前的脆弱，提香或許也想藉此將腓力二世與力量強大的天神相比擬，進而強調出君主威權的不可抵禦。

卡莉絲托(Callisto)是阿卡迪亞(Arcadia)的美貌寧芙(nymph)，名字即有「貌美無雙」之意，她是貞潔的狩獵女神黛安娜(Diana)所喜愛的女侍，也曾立下守貞的誓言；根據奧維德的「變形記」 (Metamorphoses)，有一天，眾神之王朱彼得(Jupiter)窺見森林中的卡莉絲托，旋即被她的美貌吸引，但知道卡莉絲托看到他必會迅速逃開，於是化身黛安娜逐步靠近，兩人彼此交談、嘻笑與擁抱，當卡莉絲托瞭解到身旁伴侶的真面目與企圖後，試圖反抗，但終究徒勞無功。卡莉絲托因而失身懷孕，她對此深感羞愧，但不敢向黛安娜與其他寧芙啟齒，直到9個月後的某日，卡莉絲托被迫脫去衣衫與同伴共浴，大腹便便的身軀揭穿了她的秘密，黛安娜也因此大為震驚，一氣之下趕走卡莉絲托。隨後的發展為何，眾說紛紜，較常見的是卡莉絲托生下一子，取名阿爾卡斯(Arcas)，而卡莉絲托被黛安娜或天后朱諾(Juno)變為一隻熊，獨自在森林流浪。數年後，卡莉絲托偶遇兒子，但兒子卻認不出母親，準備殺死她，就在千鈞一髮之際，朱彼得將母子帶回天庭，並化身大熊與小熊星座。卡莉絲托的悲劇是古典藝術極普遍的題材，化身黛安娜的朱彼得誘騙卡莉絲托時所呈現的女同性戀景象，或黛安娜於沐浴時發現卡莉絲托祕密的情景，都是藝術家描繪的焦點。

這幅1556-1559「黛安娜與卡莉絲托」描繪黛安娜發現卡莉絲托已有身孕的那一刻，後來提香又繪製了另一個相似版本1566「黛安娜與卡莉絲托」；畫中，黛安娜對角斜坐在寶座上，上方的樹枝間披著一塊獨角獸圖案的金布，威嚴的身體支配著畫面中央，在黛安娜命令之下，兩個寧芙正脫去可憐卡莉絲托的衣服，顯露出大腹便便的身軀，背景左方是蒼翠的丘陵，夕陽則落在右方藍色山脈後，右方前景觀看的寧芙們��站或坐在草地上，弓與箭則放在四周。在此，提香以一條對角流過前景的小河，將裸女分成左右兩個金字塔形，藉以穩定畫面，並利用自由且富表現力的筆觸，強化畫面的戲劇性，而正面、背面、側面的裸體描繪，也讓觀者看見女性裸體的各個面向。

這幅畫與1556-1559「黛安娜與阿克特安」是一對，這由兩幅畫裡相呼應的小河可以看出，直到現在這兩幅畫仍掛在一起。這兩幅於1559年送交腓力二世，並收藏在西班牙皇宮。1704年，西班牙國王腓力五世(Philip V, 1683-1746)將這兩幅畫送給法國大使，1706至1708年左右成為奧爾良公爵腓力二世(Philippe II, Duke of Orleans, 1674-1723)的收藏，之後就一直收藏在巴黎的皇家宮殿(Palais Royal)。法國大革命後，這兩幅畫於1793年被賣至英國，1945年蘇格蘭國家藝廊(National Gallery of Scotland)以長期租借方式展覽這兩幅畫，2009年倫敦國家藝廊與蘇格蘭國家藝廊以5,000萬英鎊共同買下1556-1559「黛安娜與阿克特安」，2012年再共同以4,500萬英鎊買下1556-1559「黛安娜與卡莉絲托」，之後這兩幅畫就以5年為期在這兩個美術館輪流展出。

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