"Cute Little Creatures Aren't Always Safe"
Written By – marielabbott, SEW Crew Member
Memo: To All Atlantis Personnel
From: Dr. Weir
In the past two months, we have experienced a number of incidents as a result of ignoring one of our important safety policies. Because of the nature of our work, and the unpredictability involved, Atlantis personnel are forbidden to bring animals back to the city from the various planets visited, with the exception of the zoology team. I realize as we become more settled in the Pegasus Galaxy, and come to consider it home, that we may feel comfortable with the animal life that we encounter regularly on familiar worlds. But let me remind you this policy exists for a reason, and breaking it can lead to disastrous results.
For instance, I am sure the entire city is aware of what occurred when the small lizard-like creature someone brought home somehow made its way into the main water supply, proceeded to grow at an exponential rate, and ultimately disrupted the water supply and gave one of our officers a very nasty bite when he attempted to capture the creature Steve Irwin style. Then there was the beautiful songbird that was given to a team by a Canteran village, but when brought to Atlantis was found to carry small parasites akin to Earth fleas, and which gave a number of people an uncomfortably itchy rash that may periodically reoccur for the rest of their lives. Worst of all was the feline animal recently brought to Atlantis that likely would have killed its "owner." Thankfully Teyla saw the animal in question and informed the correct people of the true nature of the beast—seemingly harmless, the creature preys on sleeping animals, and sometimes humans, by injecting them with a fast-working and fatal toxin, and then eating to its contentment.
We are here to explore the Pegasus galaxy, with all its new wonders and possibilities. But I urge you to remember that along with the beauty of our new home comes very real dangers, and that danger sometimes appears in seemingly harmless packages. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please contact your department head, your superior officer, Colonel Sheppard, or myself.
Thank you—and stay safe.
Dr. Elizabeth Weir