Dr. Lee had been a resident of the [i]Tempest[/i] for about three weeks strong prior to her official launch. They'd been rather hectic weeks at that. Even though all the medical supplies had been stocked long before his arrival, it was his job to go over everything and make sure that nothing was missing or misplaced or mislabeled [i]or[/i] expired. Needless to say, it was tedious work, and while he'd gotten to know a few of the crew-members though his work hadn't left him much time for socializing. He figured there'd be plenty of time for that once they got into space, but for now he kept his mind focused on the necessary tasks of checking and familiarizing himself with the equipment. 

While he was an expert in the field of human medicine, he'd never had the privilege of operating any Goa'uld or Asgard technology, though after some tinkering he found that the machines were quite easy to operate. The communicator on his arm was new, but came in very handy, as did the [i]Tempest[/i]'s version of a tablet, at least it sure beat carrying a clipboard around. Launch day snuck up on him though, and it seemed like he'd barely finished when he was summoned to the bridge for launch. He shed the white coat and put it away, donning the uniform jacket with the insignia identifying him as medical personnel and made his way quickly to the deck just as the exchange with the SGC came to a close, and a bottle of wine was zapped onto the bridge. [i]That won't last long,[/i] was the only thought he had time to think before the order was given.

He felt a sudden stab of doubt, about his decision to accept this mission. It was true he was probably the most qualified, otherwise they wouldn't have asked him, but he was sure there were others. His parents would be proud of him, he knew, they would want him to go. And it wasn't as if he'd left many close friends behind. A handful that he would miss, but nothing like a wife and children, nothing to really hold him down on Earth. Just the dog, that raggedy old mutt he would miss the most, leaving him behind was probably the most difficult decision he'd made in joining this expedition.

He shook off these feelings as the engines came to life, he could feel the slightest vibration through the floor, but just barely, it was incredible. Dr. Lee realized he'd been holding his breath, and he let it out slowly, watching the faces of those around him, and for the first time since being asked to be here he felt a small thrill of excitement. This was certainly grandest adventure he had ever embarked upon, and by golly he was not ready, but it didn't matter because he was long past the point of no return.