"I'm sorry but why are we here again?" Dr. Rodney McKay, head of science and research asked as he and his team sat in Dr. Weir's office.
"Interviews, in case you haven't noticed we still haven't replaced Ford." The team leader, Col. John Sheppard, answered.
"I thought we were done, we're fine with three." Ronon Dex said, wiping some of his dreadlocks from his face.
"For once, I agree with the caveman." Rodney said, folding his arms.
John opened the file in front of him, "Easy guys, it might not be so bad."
"And why is that, pray tell?"
"Because Rodney this one's a girl." He smirked.
"Alright." Ronon grinned and spun around in his chair. Rodney just gave a contemplative, "Hm."
John continued to peruse the file while Rodney sipped his 7th cup of coffee and Ronon twiddled with one of the numerous blades he kept hidden on his person. They were all lost in their own thoughts when Dr. Elizabeth Weir, leader of the Atlantis Expedition walked in with another woman.
"Good morning gentlemen," she smiled, "I would like you all to meet Dr. Lucy O'Neil."
John was the first to stand and shake her hand, "Pleasure to meet you Dr. O'Neil. I'm Colonel…"
"John Sheppard," she answered for him, "oh, I'm sorry. And please call me Lucy." John nodded and sat back down.
"And you must be Dr. McKay and Ronon Dex." She continued, shaking their hands. "Your reputations precede you." She explained at their confused stares.
"Is that a bad thing?" Ronon whispered to John as they all sat down.
"Well, I know mine certainly does." Rodney beamed.
"Anyway," Elizabeth shot him a sideways glance, "John, would you like to start?"
He cleared his throat, "You have a very impressive resume, Dr. O'Neil. It says here you completed Stargate basic even though you didn't have to?"
"Yes, sir." She answered nervously.
"You're also proficient…wait, very proficient in the use of P90's, zats, Jaffa staff weapons, and anti-Replicator arms?"
"Yes, sir."
While John kept flipping, Ronon sat forward, "Using all those guns is great but can you fight?"
Her smiled faded at the question, "Well, when he has had the time…Teal'c has trained me in hand to hand combat…if that's what you mean." She was unnerved by his dead stare, "I'm ready to use it if need be." She added, hoping to change his expression.
He just sat back, "You're never ready until it happens."
"Alright, anyway…" John interjected when Rodney cut in.
"More importantly, what is your degree in?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
Now she was on surer footing, "Anthropology and archeology from UPENN and…"
He threw up his hands, "Oh great, that's just great what are we supposed to do with that?"
"Rodney, that's enough." Elizabeth threatened through clenched teeth.
"No no, have you ever even been off world?" He ranted.
"Ok, any more questions for Dr. O'Neil?"
"Don't think so," John replied, "Chewy?" He looked at Ronon who simply shook his head.
"But…but…" Rodney stammered as they all stood up.
"Thank you for your time, Colonel." Lucy shook his hand again.
"Good luck."
"Why don't I go introduce you to Dr. Beckett, he's the head of our medical department." Elizabeth explained as they walked out.
"Good idea, they can be fake doctors together!" Rodney called after them.
"Rodney, what is your problem?" John asked.
"What, Ronon was the one giving her the third degree!"
Ronon chuckled, "I like her."
"She's never been off world, I vote no." Rodney huffed.
"I vote yes." John decided, smiling at Ronon, who nodded back in agreement.
Rodney looked at both of them, "Fine, fine. If you need me I'll be in the lab, you know, making real contributions."
"Carson? Do you have a moment?" Elizabeth tapped the doctor in front of them on the shoulder.
"Aye?" He asked, turning.
"Dr. Carson Beckett, I would like you to meet Dr. Lucy O'Neil. She's applying for the open spot on John's team."
"Oh right, nice to meet you Dr. O'Neil." He said, his big blue eyes smiling.
His Scottish accent made her want to laugh but she bit her lip to stop herself, "Likewise, Dr. Beckett. I've heard you're the best surgeon in the w…galaxy, I guess."
"I don't know about that…" He started.
"You're too modest, Carson. But we won't keep you, how about some lunch Lucy?"
"That would be great. Nice meeting you, Dr. Beckett." She waved.
As they walked along to the mess hall, Elizabeth asked, "So what do you think of Atlantis?"
"It's amazing, I just hope I can stay. I realize I don't have the strongest background…"
"Don't worry about that. And I'm sorry about Ronon and Rodney."
"It's ok, I wasn't kidding when I said their reputations preceded them, especially Dr. McKay. Colonel Carter warned me. I just wished he had let me finish about my degrees."
They had reached the mess and Elizabeth handed her a tray, "Trust me, it will be better when he finds out on his own."
They sat out on the deck, enjoying the sunshine and sound of the waves over chicken Caesar salads. Lucy was right about to ask about when the expedition began when John slid into the seat across from her, next to Elizabeth. He smiled at her.
After a moment Elizabeth asked, "May we help you?"
He didn't take his eyes off of Lucy, "Just wanted to congratulate Dr. O'Neil and welcome her to the team." He winked.
"Are…are you serious?" She gasped.
"Yes ma'am. Pack your stuff, the Daedalus should be coming back our way soon and can beam you down."
"Thank you so much, Colonel." Lucy said, still in shock.
"Don't mention it. Sorry I've got to go, someone has to calm Rodney down. See you in a few days." He shook her hand again and turned back inside.
"Congratulations, Lucy." Elizabeth beamed.