A/N: Ah yes, the last chapter wasn't actually as long as it looked on the computer…sorry about that! I am trying to lengthen them up, but the pacing at the moment seems to be a bit shorter than usual. Again, many thanks to those who have reviewed the story so far, I really appreciate it! I'm glad to hear the psychology isn't too far off and the plot is working out okay….Anyway, here's the next chapter, and the one after this should follow shortly. Possibly within the next hour! (Edited…sorry the update took this long, but seemed to be having trouble uploading documents for a while!)

Disclaimer: I. D.o. N.o.t. O.w.n. Stargate Atlantis. (Yes, I get bored typing this over and over. Look for my next exciting disclaimer in the next chapter!)

IOIOIO

Elizabeth was just about to call her game quits (her mind being much too distracted at the moment to focus on the game) when Sheppard's team arrived. She smiled reassuringly at them as they poured in, trying to mask her trepidation at calling the meeting. I hope I don't look like an idiot for doing this, she thought fervently.

John claimed the seat to her immediate left, looking puzzled, while a concerned Teyla and unreadable Ronan settled in the chairs next to him. Rodney filed in last, laptop in hand, only looking up when he actually entered the room to shoot her a worried frown before taking the end seat next to Ronan.

Elizabeth, despite the seriousness of the situation, couldn't help but giggle inwardly. He must have the corridors around Atlantis memorized so he doesn't have to "waste his valuable time" any more than necessary, she thought amused. I wonder how he accounts for the people though….oh that's right, he doesn't, she answered herself with an inward grin.

Pushing those thoughts to the back of her mind, Elizabeth began the meeting. "I'll cut to the chase," Elizabeth said in a no nonsense voice, leaning back in her chair. "I have reason to believe we have a possible alien intruder on Atlantis."

At this, Rodney looked slightly fearful and subconsciously moved himself closer to Ronan. Ronan, however, looked eager to have a bit of action in the otherwise quiet city.

"What's the situation?" queried Sheppard in a serious voice, not bothering to let the news affect him. Elizabeth knew better than to be vague with details, and so again began the story.

"This morning I woke up feeling tired and achy, which, considering how much sleep I got, was unusual. When I tried to remember if I did anything last night that would have caused these symptoms, I discovered I couldn't remember anything beyond saying goodnight to Andrews in the control room. From that moment to the time I woke up this morning, my memory is gone," she finished succinctly, waiting for the news to sink in.

Teyla looked grave as she voiced her question. "And you believe this has something to do with an alien intrusion?"

"Possibly." Elizabeth replied, simultaneously holding up a hand to stop Rodney's comments.

"Let me explain. I talked to Doctor Heightmeyer this morning about what happened. She thought it might have been a psychological response to all the stress we've been under lately, and coupled with how I've been taking care of myself, well, she said it was plausible for this type of thing to occur."

Here Rodney looked startled and slightly guilty, presumably for not noticing her condition sooner.

"Then why do you think this could be alien related?" came Ronan's deep voiced query.

"I…I just want to be sure. I've read the Stargate Command mission reports, and sometimes the symptoms I have are indicators of an alien entity taking control of a person's body. I just want to assure myself that this is not the case, and make sure Atlantis is safe. It never hurts to be careful, especially given out status in this galaxy."

John couldn't help quipping back "Especially in this galaxy," as he flashed a grin. Elizabeth felt relieved at the break in the room's tension. They're not upset, that's a good sign, she encouraged herself mentally.

"Well, I think Elizabeth is right," Rodney spoke up abruptly from the right side of the room. "I remember those incidents on earth, I mean, I was there for some of them, and trust me, you never want to let that happen here. And it's not like it's easy to tell if someone's infected either! If you don't catch it when it starts, then pretty soon you have a whole base full of infected people and no way of fighting it off, meanwhile you're top men are taken out-"

"We understand the importance of checking for intruders Doctor McKay, you do not have to explain further," Teyla interrupted gently.

"Oh. Right." Rodney said, looking slightly put out at his lecture being stopped before he had even talked for a full minute.

They believe me. They don't think I'm crazy, and they agree it's important. How did I find these wonderful people? Elizabeth thought incredulously, thanking whoever was listening for guiding them to her. Just then, Sheppard's distinct drawl cut through her relief.

"Alright then team, let's make a plan. Ronan, you get a team together and search the city for signs of forced entry. Then head back up here and regroup with me, I want to pay a quick visit to the mainland and see if the Athosians are alright. Doctor McKay, you and Zelenka start scanning the city for alien technology. Teyla, you stay with Doctor Weir and make sure she doesn't start acting…weird." He finished awkwardly, shooting an apologetic glance in Elizabeth's direction.

"Colonel, I believe it should be me who travels to the mainland-" Teyla objected with a frown. John cut her off before she had a chance to explain herself further.

"Teyla, I know they're you're people, but I need you to stay with Doctor Weir. Ronan and I can handle it, you're people don't like us all that much by they'll do what we ask them to. This way, we don't get bogged down over with village problem solving duty or extra chit-chat, which, I have to say, is a distinct likelihood if you went over there."

Teyla looked slightly affronted at this, but finally nodded her acquiescence. Looking relieved, Sheppard continued.

"As for me, I'll take over searching for alien entry through the Stargate, check the recent off world teams for possible run-ins, that sort of thing. Oh, nearly forgot," he broke off suddenly, tapping his earpiece. "Doc, you there?" he asked cheerfully.

"Aye, I'm here Colonel, what ken I do for ye?" the Scotch brogue came back after a moment's delay.

"We have a possible alien intruder on Atlantis. I want you to start calling people in for a checkup and scan them to make sure they're clean. Keep an eye out for people acting out of character or complaining of feeling unusually tired today. Oh- and you should start with Doctor Weir, seeing as she's the one who thinks she might be infected," he added as an afterthought, ignoring Elizabeth's half glare.

"Right, will do Colonel. Doctor Weir, why don't ye head down now and we ken get this over with?" he suggested calmly.

"I'll be right down Carson," Elizabeth replied, deciding it was better to do it now rather than later.

"Right, then we all have our jobs, let's move out!" Sheppard ordered, quickly heading out the door. Ronan strode out purposely behind him, with Rodney shooting one last concerned glance at the women behind him before swiftly moving across the control room and out of sight.

"Shall we go now Doctor Weir?" Teyla hinted mildly.

"Yes, of course," Elizabeth replied, grabbing her jacket before exiting her office.

Ooooh- I wish you could have gotten to see a different version of this scene…but it wouldn't work for the overall story and I had to cut it. It was so sweet and McWeiry! Oh well, I'll perhaps use it in another story or post it at the end as an alternate version type of thing. Sorry for the let down…but I was so sad about removing it I needed to share the grief! Ah, I HATE editing!