Disclaimer: If I owned Stargate Atlantis Carson Beckett would be my naughty love muppet, Major Lorne and Dr. Zelenka would be main characters, and Peter Grodin would not have died.

A/N: This is obviously an AU fic with an original character. I like Grodin a bunch, so I waved my magic Writing Utensil of Doom and made some other poor schmuck die in his place. :-( If that bothers you, well… I don't care. Rest in peace Sgt. Boogymeir, no one has realized you're missing yet.


poi·son

n.

1. A substance taken internally or applied externally that is injurious to health or dangerous to life.

2. A chemical substance that inhibits another substance or a reaction.


After Megan's show of temper everything ran smoothly and they were 'home' at Atlantis in less than three hours, much to the shock of those in the control room. Peter Grodin chuckled at Kavanagh's disgruntled appearance and the odd bowing and 'Yes, Milady' 'As you wish Milady' comments. He cleared his throat, "I see you're back on time. We weren't expecting you for at lest another six or seven hours."

Major Lorne smirked smugly, "We had Dr. Steele here to whip them into shape." He nudged her with his elbow, "Ripped Kavanagh a new one when he didn't want to leave. I'm thinking we should coronate her as Queen. More work and less bitching, right Meggy?"

Megan grunted as pushed a lock of long blonde hair out of her mismatched blue and green eyes, "Don't be such an ass David. I wouldn't want to deal with him on a daily basis. Besides…" she pouted playfully, "I left my tiara at the SGC. Now move it. I need to go to the infirmary. Jaren's been keeping the cut on my leg from getting infected, but it would probably still be a good idea to get it looked at. Don't call me Meggy."

The major raised an eyebrow, "Why not?"

Megan's smile was nothing short of evil, "I've got three words for you David: 'Harvest of Plenty'."

David flinched, "Damn. You brought that here?" he asked in disbelief.

Peter was forgotten as Megan smiled serenely, "There will come a time when I require help disposing of a body, inciting a riot, or doing something else of an illegal nature. I'm just keeping it handy for when I need to secure your unquestioning assistance. Then there's the possibility you'll do something to really piss me off, and then I'll have no choice but to circulate several copies of both still photos and the original video recording itself. Did you know if you listen closely you can actually hear the music and---mmmurfle"

Lorne covered her mouth and pulled her to his chest so he could hiss softly in her ear, "I get the point. No more 'Meggy'. I promise. Just don't go around talking about – oh gross, Megs. What the hell'd you lick me for?"

"Don't be such a baby, Jarhead. I have to go to the infirmary. Let me go."

"Sure thing Princess," he let her go with a wink, "I'm scheduled to fly over to the mainland and help the scientists set up a weather observation station. I'll be gone for a week at most. See you then Magpie!"

"Harvest of Plenty, Major, Harvest of Plenty," she called over her shoulder with a wave.


Elsewhere in Atlantis, several people were discussing Atlantis's newest resident. "He said I was familiar to him. He asked if we were friends." Teyla spoke softly.

"How did you respond?" Dr. Weir asked curiously.

"I said we were. After everything he has been through, I thought some positive news could not hurt." Her voice was just as quiet as before, but her eyes dared anyone to contradict her.

"I think you're right. Stabilization is the first critical stage in his psychological treatment." Dr. Heightmeyer nodded her agreement before turning to Elizabeth, "He's doing quite well so far, but it's important we do what we can to ease his recovery."

"What's the next stage?" Dr. Weir asked the psychologist.

"Integration into the community," she ignored Colonel Sheppard's grimace, "followed by relational development."

Elizabeth bit her lip and looked to Dr. Beckett, "How is he doing physically?"

"Excellent," was the immediate response, "Vitals normal. All he needs is a bit of physical therapy to regain muscle tone and coordination."

Dr. Weir pressed her lips into a thin line, "Do you think he's ready to be released?"

Carson nodded, "I do."

"I don't think that's such a good idea," Colonel Sheppard made his opinion known, "We still don't know if there are any residual effects he might be carrying around."

Elizabeth turned to Kate, "What do you think, Doctor? Is he ready to join the community?"

"A change of scenery could be very beneficial to him." Dr. Heightmeyer smiled vaguely.

"Alright, then," She stood up, "Release him."

No sooner had the words left her mouth than a nervous nurse's voice came over their headsets, "Er, Doctor Becket? I think we have a slight problem down here in the infirmary."

Carson was on his feet immediately, "What kind of problem lass?"

"Um, well… you see… She came in for bandages, but the cut is bleeding a lot and obviously needs stitches and she won't let me anywhere near her and…" there was a brief scuffle heard over the radio before a new voice came on.

"Hey, anyone there?"

Dr. Beckett let out a relieved breath and gave the others a half-smile, "This is Doctor Beckett, and how can I help you?"

"This is Dr. Megan Steele, and you can start by telling your nurses that cuts bleed if you scrub the scabs off. Don't worry about it. It's about twelve inches long from the knee up on my inner thigh, but very shallow. I've gotten worse scratches from my Nanna's cat," the woman sounded mildly irritated, "All I wanted was some Neosporin and a couple of bandages. I didn't come here to have Clara Barton wash it off with steel wool and the stingy disinfectant crap."

John snorted and Carson shot him a dirty look, "Are ye sure it isn't serious?"

Her sigh was audible over the radio, "Ask Major Lorne, he'd the one who bandaged it for me the first time."

There was silence as everyone in the room looked at one another. "He what?" the Colonel asked incredulously.

"Bah," was her unconcerned response, "I was too busy holding the ice pack to my face. Got myself quite a shiner from one of the damn Ancient devices malfunctioning. Kavanagh is about to have a gruesome string of bad luck…"

Even Elizabeth and Kate had to smile at that. Carson chuckled, "Al'righ. You can have the bandages now, but I want you to come by the infirmary so I can check it before you turn in for the night."

"You just want to take a peek at my gorgeous legs," she told him coyly and started giggling at his indignant sputtering, "So Doc, Amnesia Man looks bored outta his skull. You care if I help him escape and take him to the Commissary where the real food lives?"

Those present exchanged surprised looks before the Colonel took over the situation, "Only if he has his military escort."

There was a short silence on the other end before Megan came back on with a bit of trepidation, "If you're looking for who stole all of Captain Nelson's boxers I can tell you it wasn't ... indistinct muttering… Michael. I'm sure they'll show up in another day or two. Probably on display in a public area, and having absolutely nothing to do with Lt. Kenmore whatsoever."

John closed his eyes, "That isn't why he needs an escort. How long has Captain Nelson been going around the base commando?"

"Ah, since about an hour after the Daedalus docked. Ah, crap. He didn't squeal on me after all… did he? Is there any chance you could pretend I didn't say that?" she asked hopefully.

"Only if I get the story behind it," he smiled innocently at the frowning Dr. Weir and curious looking others, "Something tells me this has got to be good."

"The short, G-rated version is that Lieutenants Nelson and Sanchez thought it was funny to go through my pack and pull out all my undergarments and spare sets of BDU's before a three-day mission with the Tok'ra. It was storming something awful when we arrived, so I had to change clothes the first day. Seeing as I had no spare clothes, Major Lorne lent me one of his shirts. Of course the Jaffa had to attack the camp while my unmentionables were hanging out to dry… Not that kind of tape, it doesn't stick very well to my skin. I need the heavy-duty stuff… NO! I can do it myself. You're not going anywhere near my leg again… Where was I?"

"Your camp was attacked," John watched Carson shake his head and grumble.

"Oh, yeah. We got captured, spent almost a week in a cell on the mothership, escaped, Jose and Logan's shirts were sacrificed in order to bind my ribs, David was concussed pretty badly, and when the Tok'ra finally found us we were covered head to toe in mud. At least they were kind enough to hose us off and lend us some clothes. Let me tell you something, Tok'ra leather chafes. Not that wearing toxic mud was any better. It caused some tripped out hallucinations and I think Doc Fraiser said something about it affecting sperm count. As if the experience wasn't uncomfortable enough, I had to go through it au naturel. I figured it was time for a bit of payback. Ouch. What did I tell you woman! Okay, I'm ready. Come on Lieutenant; let's blow this popsicle stand. I can practically hear the jello calling my name."


Lt. Michael Kenmore listened in amusement as the woman in front of him argued with both the on duty nurse and then Dr. Beckett himself a few minutes later. He looked up startled when she mentioned him. He was about to ask how she knew about his amnesia when he saw the nurse smile at him and mouth, "Better you than me."

Michael smiled slightly and was surprised when the strange woman poked him in the side of the head, "What's your name?"

"Lieutenant Michael Kenmore," he swatted her hand away.

"Okay, I'm Dr. Megan Steele," she poked him again just because she could.

He scowled at her until he heard the last part of what she was saying. "Come on Lieutenant; let's blow this popsicle stand. I can practically hear the jello calling my name."

Megan walked over to the bed and looked him over from head to toe, making the man fidget nervously. "I'm not taking you anywhere wearing that," she gestured to his scrubs and wrinkled her nose, "Hold on a minute and I'll scare you up some real clothes." With that she turned on her heel and was gone before he could protest.

Michael glanced at the nurse pleadingly and she shook her head and chuckled, "Don't give me the sad puppy-dog eyes Lieutenant. Doctor Beckett's the one who released you. I'm sure you and Dr. Steele will have a fine time at lunch."


The loud clatter of a lunch tray landing on the table next to him startled Rodney out of the calculations he was busy entering into his data pad, "Hey there McKay, long time no see."

Rodney looked up so fast he just about gave himself whiplash. "You're here. You're really here!" Rodney was so excited Megan was worried that he might try to hug her.

Damn.

"Dr. McKay? Rodney, you can let go now."

"Oh, sorry," he at least had the good grace to look embarrassed, "I didn't know if you'd decide to come. I haven't heard from you in years and then..."

Megan gave him a half-smile and wiped her eyes, "Well, I wouldn't have come except…" her voice dropped to a whisper, "It was the third anniversary ofJose and Garrett's deaths about a week before I got the invite. I'm a widow, Rodney. There's nothing left for me on earth. You, David, and Logan were all here anyways. You three are all the family I have left. Jaren just wanted a new adventure." She took a deep breath and winked at Michael, who was seated across the table, "Where are my manners? Michael, this is Dr. Rodney McKay. Rodney, this is Lt. Michael Kenmore."

McKay cleared his throat, "Er… ah… yes yes, the Lieutenant…"

Megan rolled her eyes and sighed, "He's got amnesia Rodney. It's not like he remembers what an ass you are. I'd give him another day or two before he wants to beat you senseless just like everybody else."

One of Michael's 'escorts' tried unsuccessfully to turn his laugh into a cough. Megan raised an eyebrow in a distinctly Teal'c-like fashion, which set the poor man off again. Rodney squinted his eyes questioningly. "Bah," Megan waved her hand dismissively, "Michael here just got back from being held prisoner by the Wraith. They're just making sure there's nothing wrong with him. Been there, done that. My escorts followed me around the base for nearly three weeks before the General let me go home. It's no big deal," she looked over at Michael sympathetically.

Michael tilted his head to the side, "You have been held captive by the Wraith before?"

Megan snorted, "By the Wraith, no. I just got here about two weeks ago. I have been captured and tortured by enemy aliens with mind-altering technology though. Having human 'shadows' for a while is just protocol. They don't want you to go ape-shit and blow up the base or anything. You'll get used to it. You just have to remember it isn't their fault. They wish they were elsewhere just as much as you do. I actually taught Lt. Hailley how to speak French during our 'together time'. Now shut up, I'm eating."

Michael smiled at her and adjusted the paper crown on her head, catching the scientist's attention.

"What's with the stupid hat?" he asked through a mouthful of mashed potatoes.

Megan shrugged, "I chewed out that jerk Kavanagh back on planet Dirt Bowl. The marines named me Goddess and made me a crown. Major Lorne promised me two snickers bars if I wore it all day." She reached across the table to steal some of Michael's fries and give him half of her hamburger.

Rodney choked, "You're kidding!"

Megan snorted, "About chocolate? Never."

Rodney shook his head, "I'm not even going to ask where they got all that glitter."

Megan's amused laughter could be heard all the way out in the hallway.


"Don't think I don't know what you are." Dr. Kavanagh's voice cut through the group's lighthearted banter an hour later. The room was practically empty so there was no mistaking who he was addressing.

Megan looked over her shoulder, eyes narrowed dangerously. "Pardon?" she asked coldly.

Kavanagh sneered and spit in her face, "You're nothing but a foul Goa'uld. I don't know what you did or who you slept with to get here, but I'm going to make sure you aren't here long enough to go through with whatever plans you have. It's bad enough we had the Athosians around here for so long, but at least they were human. I don't buy into that Tok'ra difference in philosophy nonsense. The only good Goa'uld is a dead one."

Megan's eyes flashed gold, and before anyone could stop her she had Kavanagh by the neck, lifted clear off the ground, and slammed into the wall. "I am Jaren of the Tok'ra. You will not speak to my host in such a manner," her voice echoed menacingly, "Do not presume to insult my people by comparing us to the vile Goa'uld. Make that mistake a second time and you will not live to make it a third."

Kavanagh grimaced triumphantly as he lifted an arm and injected something into the angry Tok'ra's neck. Jaren dropped him and clutched his neck. "Ha'shak! What have you done?"

Rodney, Michael, and his escorts were almost there, but the gloating man didn't even notice. "I synthesized a dose of the symbiote poison. When Stargate Command get my report on how careless Dr. Weir and Colonel Sheppard were in allowing you here, they'll be gone, and someone competent will come to take their places." Kavanagh reached down to grab Jaren by his hair.

"Rhe'u!" Jaren shouted slapping the hand away, "Rin'tel'noc!"

The two guards pulled Kavanagh away just as Jaren/Megan started writhing on the ground and let loose a long bloodcurdling scream…


Goa'uld to English translations:

Ha'shak! Fool!

Rhe'u! Stay back!

Rin'tel'noc! Go/Get away from me!

Tok'ra Against Ra… as in they are against the Goa'uld… Duh!

Just for clarification… Jaren, the Tok'ra symbiote, is a male living inside a female host. He will be referred to as a 'he'. (Kinda like Talon from Neuropsych's "Mitchell Files". go read them Other than the fact that I have a Tok'ra on Atlantis, my story doesn't/won't really have anything in common with that series.)

There, done! This is the end of chapter 2! Part of the conversation in the control room I got off the transcript of the episode 'Michael' on Now, I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed. If it weren't for your encouragement I never would have posted this chapter so soon. Next time on As Atlantis Turns: Rodney opens a can of whoop-ass on Kavanagh, Colonel Sheppard gets barfed on by the most unlikely person, and Captain Nelson gets his grunders back.