Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate: Atlantis or NCIS. They belong to MGM, SyFy Channel, etc. DPB Productions, CBS, etc.

Copyright: 2012

Chapter One

Dr. Jennifer Keller tried to put together a proposal to Woosley for a forensic pathologist to come to Atlantis. She had one in mind but did not know if he would be able to come or recommend someone to fill that roll. Jennifer had felt swamped the last two weeks when she had to perform autopsies on 20 of Atlantis personnel when a micro-organism attacked the expedition until she finally found a vaccine to counter act the 'bug' as Colonel Sheppard so eloquently put it.

A coffee cup entered her line of sight, as she followed the hand, arm, body to reveal that of Carson Beckett, "Lass, what are doing here at this time of mornin'?"

Jennifer blew at her bangs with a tired huff and reached for the coffee, "I am here to finish my proposal and then I'm starting my shift."

Cason shook his head, "Jennifer lass, you are going to finish the report then and only then; you will be going to your quarters and rest for the maximum of 8 hours. You will not come back here until tomorrow. I have rescheduled your appointment with Mr. Woosley at 1500."

"But…"

"No buts, is the proposal finished?"

"Yes"

"Then take it to your quarters or better yet email to Mr. Woosley and then AFTER your nap, he and you can discuss it. Now git."

Jennifer had to smile; Carson always took the best care of her when her husband was not around. Especially when he was on missions with the SGA-1 team. "Thanks Carson. See you tomorrow."

"Night lass"

Chapter Two

After eight hours of sleep Jennifer Keller made her way to Woosley's office for her appointed meeting. Once she arrived she was nervous. Would he accept her proposal? Would he accept whom she was recommending? These questions and others were floating through her mind as she opened the door. Jen was startled to find not only was Woosley in his office but Sheppard as well.

"Doc"

"Dr. Keller"

Jen acknowledge them both and raised her eyebrows in question.

"We have read over your proposal and have to ask, why him?" Woosley asked with concern that was also mixed with curiosity.

Jennifer smiled. She had known of Dr. Donald Mallard through her friendship with Carson. Jen had done some research and found that he was the best in his field and could handle any situation that was brought before him and had the experience to back it up.

Sheppard narrowed his eyes on Jenn and knew there was another reason behind her request, "What other reason that you haven't told us that wasn't in the proposal?"

"Honestly John I am dog tired. Carson is doing great in helping me in making sure I take rest, which I know for a fact that Rodney really appreciates. I need someone here that can keep Carson company. I know for a fact that he is seeing Laura Cadman. I need Carson to have a friendship that is like yours and Evan's. Where they can learn from each other. I also need an extra pair of hands in the infirmary when we have multiple injuries. We almost lost Stackhouse when the 'bug' hit the expedition, and then having to give him the antidote and hope for the best because we almost lost him then too."

Sheppard was confused and a little hurt, "You told me Stackhouse was going to be fine."

"And he was after we got the bleeding under control. If we had waited another ten minutes he would've been dead."

That piece of news brought up Sheppard short. He would've lost one of his oldest friends because there wasn't enough hands in the infirmary. Then he started going over the budget in his mind. There was just enough there for their ammo and just a little for the infirmary. If they had a sponsor they would be able to make it but he didn't know if they could.

Woosley cleared his throat, "I am sorry Dr. Keller but we just don't have the budget for another doctor on staff."

Dr. Jennifer Keller tightened her jaw in anger and then let it go, "Fine, then you'll get to exclaim to the families of this expedition that when they do die from my hand why I couldn't save them." She got up from her chair and exited the office. If the glass door wasn't so, well glass, she would've slammed the door. His answer made her blood boil.

Richard Woosley watched Dr. Keller go through his office door like a bull was on her tail.

Colonel John Sheppard winced. He had been right where Jenn was. It was right when his father had died. If he hadn't been for his fight with the replicator, and his visit to see his brother, he would've been burning out. "Woosley, I have proposition of my own. When you check in with Stargate Command, let me make a couple of phone calls and then we go from there."

"What are these propositions Colonel?"

"A sponsor or sponsors to fund the money for this doctor or whoever he recommends as she said in her memo, to come out here and maybe help with the infirmary supplies as well."

Woosley raised his eyebrows at Sheppard in thought and then nodded his head, "I can give you the next 48 hours, and then it's off the table."

"Ok" Nodded his head to his boss and headed out to his duties.