"It appears to be viral," Beckett reported to Atlantis' control room via radio communication. "Most of the children and elderly have been infected, as well as a few adults. Given the lack of immuno-response, I'm inclined to believe that this came from off-world, although I won't know for certain until I run some more tests."

"Anyone who's been on the mainland could also have contracted the virus?" Elizabeth asked him.

"Aye, although I doubt the city's systems would pick it up. It seems to be quite similar to the influenza virus back on Earth. The antibodies we already have should make us more resistant."

Elizabeth glanced at the woman standing next to her. "What about Teyla and Ronon?"

"They both need to be tested. I'm sending a few members of my team back to the city to get more equipment and supplies."

"I'd like to return to the mainland with them," Teyla spoke up.

"If you haven't already been infected, my dear, you'd be putting yourself directly in harm's way," Beckett pointed out. Elizabeth knew that wasn't going to matter.

"Get checked out," she told the Athosian. "If you're still healthy, let's do everything we can to make sure you stay that way."

A few members of the science team – McKay especially – immediately began working with the city's sensor system to make sure they weren't about to have a full-fledged outbreak of their own. So far, no one in Atlantis had gotten sick and everyone wanted to keep it that way.

Teyla and Ronon were both still healthy and both wanted to go back to the mainland to help take care of the people there. "The children must have made quite an impression on you," Teyla quietly teased him as they headed for the Jumper Bay, along with a veritable squadron of medical personnel.

He shrugged. "I've got a better chance of being useful there than here."

"You would not be useful to anyone if you were to fall ill."

Ronon smiled. "Then I guess I better not get sick."

A few of the doctors used the flight to give a better explanation of what was going on and what their plan was. They'd done their best to quarantine those that were ill in tents at one side of the settlement. Only members of the expedition were being allowed to tend to them, and even then only with protective measures in place. Some of the healthy Athosians were assisting in other ways, such as making sure they had enough water and food or keeping track of their supplies.

Beckett and Halling were waiting for the Jumper when it landed. "How many are sick?" Teyla asked them.

"Nearly half the camp," Becket told her. "We're making sure everyone is kept hydrated and comfortable, and monitoring for new or worsening symptoms. Beyond that, I'm afraid we'll have to let it run its course."

Teyla nodded. "How is everyone else?"

"Understandably concerned," Halling answered. "We have two hunting parties that coming back today; we are trying to keep busy with preparing to assist them."

"Could you use an extra pair of hands?" Ronon asked. The other man nodded, so they headed off.

"Has anything like this happened before?" Beckett asked Teyla as they helped unload the supplies that had been brought on the jumper.

"Not in my lifetime, but in the past, there were a few plagues on Athos. It is one of the risks of traveling through the Stargate, and allowing others to come to us."

He nodded. "We're doing everything we can for your people."

Teyla offered him a smile. "And we are very grateful."

The day didn't go well; just after the first of the two hunting parties returned, word came through the settlement that one of the youngest children who had been infected had not survived. Everyone took the news hard.

"You feel okay?" Ronon asked Teyla as he made his way over to get some water at a tent near her spot beside the fire.

"I am fine. And you?"

"Same. I guess we're pretty lucky so far."

"Have any of the others with you fallen ill?"

"A couple. Mostly ones who had kids." Ronon headed back to work, knowing the other party would soon be arriving. Teyla was putting together a box of supplies for the medical team, and was surprised to hear a voice behind her.

"Teyla?" She turned to see Jinto standing across the campfire. Wrapped up in a blanket that one of the elders had made for him years before, he looked pale and exhausted – undeniably someone who should not have been out of his tent.

"Jinto, what are you doing up?"

"Where is my father?"

"Helping the hunting parties that are returning. You should be back in bed."

"I want to see him." Knowing she shouldn't, but unable to keep herself from helping the boy, Teyla gave him a hand in steadying himself, then steered him back towards the tent where he was being treated.

"You cannot be with him right now. You must stay and listen to the doctors so that you will get well."

"Will you tell my father that I want to see him?" Jinto asked as they went inside and she helped him back onto his cot. "Please?"

"I shall," Teyla promised. "He will come to see you as soon as he can." That seemed to be enough of a comfort, and Jinto quickly fell back asleep.