Ascension machine

"I think this machine was not meant to help them fight the war against the Wraith but rather to help them escape it."

- Elizabeth Weir on the machine.

The Ascension machine was a type of technology used by the Lantean's during their tenure in the Pegasus galaxy.

Overview
The device was a technological machine created with the intention of accelerating the evolutionary process of a Human being. This worked on a genetic level and resulted in a mutation of the base genetic code which provided numerous enhanced abilities such as healing, telekinesis, telepathy, super hearing and so on. The intelligence of the subject dramatically increased as well and evolved the body to the point where it was capable of Ascension. Brain scans showed a high level of synaptic interaction which was much higher then normal.

There was a problem with the device as the changes wrought did not include the mental requirements needed for Ascension. As such, if an individual subjected to the machine did not attain the mental concentration needed to let go of their physical form, then the genetic modifications killed them in the process. The machine as a result contained a great deal of information on human physiology and actually stored the previous DNA pattern of the subject allowing for a potential reversal of the effects of the device on a human body.

The Ascension machine appeared as platform with a computer terminal that had access to a view screen where a user can analyse the data. Once activated, a energetic device on the cieling of the machine activated which engulfed the user in a spiral green energy after which the subject falls unconscious as the changes to their body are taken effect.


 * It's possible that the DNA resequencer was either the predecessor or successor to this device.

History
The Ancients were responsible for the creation of the original Ascension machine in Atlantis where it was used in their experiments in attaining Ascension. Thousands of years later it was discovered by the Atlantis Expedition where Doctor Rodney McKay accidently activated it.

The device genetically modified McKay's DNA putting him on the path of Ascension but the changes meant that he either needed to release his burdens or die from the changes wrought on his body. Ultimately, Doctor Carson Beckett was given the necessary information by McKay on reversing the machine which removed the modiications.