Do No Harm (by filenotch) (T)

[mific]

Show: SGA
Rec Category: Carson Becket-centric stories
Characters: Carson Beckett, Rodney McKay, John Sheppard, Elizabeth Weir, Radek Zelenka, OMC (Leblanc). 
Categories: Gen
Warnings: No AO3 warnings apply
Author on DW: filenotch
Author's Website: See the AO3
Link: Do No Harm on AO3
Why This Must Be Read: Carson might not be everyone's favourite character but filenotch is a really good writer and this is a compelling read. It's a somewhat dark and angsty exploration of an area the show cheerfully handwaves and ignores - medical ethics, as they relate to Carson and the research that led to the retrovirus converting Wraith to humans. If you've got any interest in hard science sci-fi, this is a fascinating  delve into medicine and genetics, showcasing Carson and introducing an interesting new character, LeBlanc, described by Rodney to Carson as 'your own Kavanagh'. Recommended. 

"If it's a data compression problem, I can solve it," said Rodney. "I just have to know the parameters."

LeBlanc took off his glasses and put the earpiece between his teeth. "Use the other strand."

"What?"

"DNA has two strands. Coding strand, complementary strand. Put information on the complementary strand, turn them both into coding strands."

As soon as he'd said it, Carson realized that it was an obvious place to start. "That's brilliant."

He expected LeBlanc to preen at the compliment, but instead he got a disdainful look. "It's not my idea. Nature's been packing information on both strands of viral DNA for eons. Which you would know, if you were an actual virologist instead of playing one on TV. Stick to the scraped knees, Dr. Beckett."

LeBlanc stalked out toward the cell culture rooms.

"Charming fellow," said Rodney. "Is he right?"

Carson swallowed his irritation and nodded. "Aye, he is." Then he looked at Rodney. "He reminds me of someone else I know."

Rodney's attention was on the white board. "Oh?" he said absently. "Who's that?"

Carson let it go, and walked over to the shelf of CD ROM reference books. He selected one and handed it to Rodney Molecular Biology of the Gene. "You'll find the basic rules in here. If you have any questions--"

Rodney took the disc, still looking at the white board. "Yeah, I'll call you."

Carson shook his head. "I was about to say, call LeBlanc." He wasn't sure if they'd get on famously or be at each other's throats within five minutes. Would it be better to be a fly on the wall, or very far away? Would a betting pool be good for morale? He stifled an inappropriate smile.

"Right. Okay, time to go study," Rodney answered, and left the room, holding the CD in one hand and bouncing it off the fingers of the other.