A/N: Took a while to read and rewrite sections of this one. The multitude of illnesses that struck my household has kept me away.

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He couldn't quite believe the words that were leaving Sheppard's mouth even though he had heard them only moments before in Woolsey's office. What he was saying seemed insane but given where they were he knew that he shouldn't really find it completely unrealistic. What he was saying wasn't the scientific explanation they had received from the good doctor moments before but it got the point across in plain English.

"The plant extract used in the recent flu vaccination has combined itself with the chemicals in the pollen of one of the plants Major Lorne and his team returned with. Now while this is not causing any problems for any of the men on the base physically the women are having a reaction. Its messing with their hormones and making their brains go haywire. Some have you may have noticed some of them being a little overly affectionate, more so than usual," The snickers and nudging was all he needed to confirm they had all seen something in the passed few hours. "While this isn't normally a cause for concern the fact is they are turning violent when rejected in any small way. There are two marines currently in the infirmary that can back me up on that one." Hearing that he winced, remembering seeing one of the marines go down with a right hook from a nurse. The crunch of bone was unmistakable and was the start of the escalation.

"There have been several attempts at attacking several different members of the city and as a result the majority of the women have been confined to their quarters. There are a few however that haven't followed instructions and have disappeared to the depths of the city. We are to round them up and either secure them in the infirmary or in their quarters." Sheppard's voice was eerily calm as he spoke almost finding the situation mildly entertaining.

Looking over Lorne saw Chuck descend the stairs a data pad in his hands: The list of the unaccounted for women most likely. Reading them out he noted over half were military. The collective groan that went out when he read Teyla's name almost made him chuckle. She could take them out with barely any effort on a good day so heaven knows what she would do today. Reading to the bottom he was surprised at the last name. She was unaccounted for. Then again if she was still in his quarters she would be.

Excusing himself he ran up the stairs catching up to Chuck easily.

"Chuck, can I ask for a favour?" Walking side by side he waited for the man to nod before continuing keeping his voice low so as not to be overheard. "Could you use the internal scanners to see if there is anyone in my quarters?" He tried to ignore Chucks smirk at his request calming himself with a deep breath. Leaning down on the console he closed the gap between the two of them allowing the conversation to be more private regardless of the room being virtually empty.

"Sorry Major there is no one there."

"Thanks Chuck. Let's keep this between us OK?" Tapping the console he walked away knowing this would be in the gossip grapevine by the end of the week.

Descending the stairs he watched two men exchange a silent conversation from either side of the gathering. Staying on the bottom step he decided to call them on it.

"Is there a problem gentlemen?" He knew his tone left nothing to be messed with but he wasn't in the mood for pleasantries. He watched the two men look at each other again obviously deciding on just what to say.

"Spit it out." Sheppard's bark was enough to shake the younger of the two men.

"There is another aside from Teyla sir who is one to watch out for," He shared a look with his companion again before uttering the name he dreaded to hear. "Dr Briggs, sir." The others chuckled and he had to admit he was a little amused himself. Sharing a brief look with Sheppard who himself seemed to not believe it he turned back to them eyeing the two men. He certainly shared the Colonel's curiosity this time. She was petite that was for sure but then again so was Teyla. He recognised the Major as the one she had referred to when she spoke of her brothers. Looking at the other he guessed he was the other one.

"And why is that Lieutenant?" Sheppard's smirk was evident in his voice clear as day.

"She's military trained sir. She is pretty damn good at evading capture not to mention her hand to hand is exceptional although she's most likely a little rusty. Put us and my other brothers in the hospital a couple of times." The younger man had started out so confident his voice becoming meeker as though he was telling a deep family secret.

Sharing a shocked look with the Colonel he steeled it away intent on finishing their task as quick as possible regardless of who they were after. He had known she was raised as a soldier the statement having left her own mouth but he had no idea her family had gone that far with training her. It now came as no surprise she did as she was told the idea obviously burnt into her mind. He was however a little worried. If she was unstable and backed into a corner there was no telling of the damage she could do. Silently he prayed she was indeed very rusty: For their sakes and hers.

Splitting into groups of four armed only with stunners they split the city into sections using the city's scanners to locate the few that had evaded them. Out of eleven they had rounded up six within the first hour. Making a mental note of two military names that needing some additional training he dropped off a very unconscious scientist to the infirmary only to find Sheppard having his arm looked at.

"What happened to Sheppard?" Seeing Ronon smirk he knew it had to be something to embarrass his CO.

"Caught up with Merry. She lured him away before beating him up." Ronon's voice sounded a little impressed as he spoke.

"She did not beat me up she hit me and smashed my arm into the wall. For a little thing she packs a punch. How are we doing?" Hopping off the bed he shook out his hand before rolling his jaw a reddish tinge already covering the side. But the Colonel's grin was still in full force.

"Five left Sir. Teyla, Richmond, Sykes, Cadman and Briggs." Even if the smirk wasn't on his face he was sure it was in his voice.

"Well I have an idea. Pull everyone back to the control room. We need to regroup." Heading towards the Control Room the two groups merged as one each of them as baffled as the next at the Colonel's idea.

As the last of the groups entered the room the two main pieces of Sheppard's plan emerged from the hallway, Torren and Kanaan. It was a matter of moments before Torren's happy babbling was filling the city making even the hardest faces around him smile. Smiling at the little boy he realised just what Sheppard was doing: Calling on Teyla's motherly instincts to lure her out. Splitting into bigger groups they headed back out again eyes and ears constantly open.

Ten minutes of Torren's babbling and he thought it was failing until he heard Ronon's voice in his ear. They had her and were taking her to the infirmary. The almost audible sigh of relief from the team around him was premature in his opinion. There were still four left and if her brothers were right they possibly had two loose wires roaming the city, her and Cadman.

Slinking down the hallway careful to keep his feet as silent as possible a shadow loomed to his right. Turning he spotted Richmond looking like a deer in headlights but she sharply turned suddenly running back the way she came. Firing a single shot he saw her crumple to the ground her head hitting the ground with a solid thump. Removing her name from his mental list he tipped his head at Stackhouse. Stackhouse scooped her up nodding to him before heading to the infirmary two marines in tow.

"Sir, Richmond is on her way to the infirmary. Continuing on."

"Acknowledged Major. Sykes is also on her way. Two down, two to go."

A quick glance at the life signs detector told him the two remaining were deep in the belly of the city. Heading towards the city's catacombs he paused before stepping into the relative darkness allowing his eyes a moment to adjust. Other than being used for a running track this part of the city was barely used almost staying the way it was found, dusty and dark.

Taking several steps forward he carefully kept himself hidden by shadows as he scanned what parts of the room he could see. A noise off to one side caught his attention. It was either a whisper or a shuffle which he wasn't sure but slipping around the corner he came up under the walkway. Looking up he could make out two pairs of booted feet and a single pair of bare feet on the grids. He couldn't see much from where he was but signalling to Michaels and the last remaining Marine to cross to the other side, each man keeping hidden within the shadows as they moved silently across the room, he prepared himself.

Eyes solid on the three figures he stepped out into the open his stunner trained on the three figures moving to the middle barefooted woman the further out he walked. In the meagre light he spotted Merry stood with Major Briggs in front and the lieutenant behind. The unhidden tension in her body spoke volumes about the situation above. A whisper to his side caught his attention. Seeing Michaels indicate the wall beside him he looked over spotting three men slumped against the wall clearly unconscious. Hearing the Major's voice he turned back again carefully taking aim on her. If he could save anyone else getting hurt he truly intended to.

"Give it up Merry. Just come with us, stop being stupid." Biting the inside of his mouth he adjusted his aim holding his temper in check. He could see her anger rising her body becoming tightly wound. Biting his lip he held in the urge to shout at them not to provoke her but the sudden crunch of bone broke his thoughts. He just spotted her elbow coming back into the Lieutenant's nose before striking back forward to the Major. About to fire he was glad he held as the Major swing his arm out for her only to have her grasp his arm twisting it around him until the resounding pop filled the room making him wince. The man cried out in pain then in shock as she kicked him forward tumbling down taking his brother with him.

Firing his stunner he just missed her as she stepped back her eyes instantly locking to him. Even from a distance he could see the fiery wildness that was overtaking her. The both caught the flash of movement on the stairs. Michaels closely followed by the marine were making their way up the stairs. Her eyes flicked back to him once more before she sped down the opposite way flying up a flight of stairs before disappearing into the darkness.

High tailing it up the stairs he ran down the corridor finding nothing but an empty dim hallway. Heading back the way he came he heard the groans from the two men laid on the floor. Walking towards them he watched Michaels checking them over. Part of him was glad the two men were in pain. They had gone against clear orders and provoked her bringing the attack upon themselves.

"We need a medical team we have two teams down."

"What happened?"

"Dr Briggs Sir. She isn't as rusty as we hoped." The silence from the Sheppard told him he had a problem with it just like him. "Sir?"

"Are you sure Major?"

"Dr Briggs has taken down two teams leaving two wounded, the others unconscious. From what I saw sir she was provoked."

"Stay put. We're on our way."

Looking at the two men now propped against the barrier each cradling their bodies he smirked. At first it was the pitiful sight they made then at the thought that a civilian regardless of training had taken down her own brothers with ease. He knew the slightly rough way that Michaels was handling them both had to do with the distaste the man held for their actions against her just like him. When Michaels stood heading over to him they shared a look, one that spoke of the balance between crossing the line and protecting a friend. But he said nothing knowing the man wouldn't ever cross the line, no matter what.

Sheppard and Ronon arrived moments later the clear rattling of wheels echoing from behind them. He watched from the top of the stairs as the two quickly made their way up stepping around him to look at the men behind. Apparently the two men shared a different view. Whilst Sheppard winced at their injuries his furrowed brow speaking out that he still didn't quite believe it. But Ronon looked to be impressed, especially as he watched them lifting the unconscious forms onto beds before disappearing down the hallway.

Hearing more footsteps he turned around finding himself almost face to face with Dr Beckett. Raising a questioning eyebrow in his direction he couldn't help the smirk as the good doctor took in the sight the brothers made.

"Dr Keller sedated herself several ours ago Major when she began showing the symptoms along with several other members of the medical staff. We are now very short handed but we will make do." He promptly got on with examining the men his hands sure and steady before signalling for a gurney.

He shook his head wiping his hand down his tired face. He had been exhausted when he had headed to his room but now he felt like collapsing. He must have walked the length and breadth of the city a dozen times over and he ached. His mind wandered to what had happened in his room before all of this. Had that just been because she was under the influence or because she truly wanted to be there? He wasn't so sure and it was starting to niggle at him. If she was influenced by it then surely it was a good thing they had gotten interrupted. But every report he had seen and read there had been something there before they happened even if it had just seemed like whispers on the gossip grapevine.

Heading back with the medical team they were almost to the transporter when something down a side hallway caught his eye. Stopping he stared down the darkness aware of Michaels standing behind him. Slipping the stunner free he looked down to the others waiting at the closed doors. Silently he gestured with his hand not surprised when Sheppard and Ronon joined him on the opposite side. Passing quickly down a length of the hallway he slipped into an alcove for cover. When the others were in place he slipped further down his light landing on the familiar figure slumped against the wall: it was Cadman. Cautiously coming up beside her he felt for a pulse. It was erratic pounding heavily against his fingers, her skin burning his own.

"Doc!"

Seeing the Beckett's head peer around the corner he urged him forward a couple of staff close on his heels, large bags bouncing as they moved. Stepping aside he watched as the team surrounded her hooking her up to an IV in no time. Now he was beyond worried and entering terrified. Getting a hold of himself he followed the others to the main hallway giving the staff the whole of the small space to work in. He had introduced Cadman to her in the infirmary when they had arrived back from the planet. Assuming Merry had become contaminated with the pollen whilst still on the planet Cadman would have been the next to be affected. If Cadman was like this, how was she?

Sheppard looked at him apparently thinking the same as him. A mildly amusing situation had turned into a bad one and now it was looking like a deadly one for at least a couple of the city's residents.

"She wasn't alone. There's a second set of footprints that settle around Cadman and then disappear down the hallway. They head up to the grid walkway and then back towards the main parts of the city. It was Merry." Ronon announced as he walked towards them the medical team zipping passed them and then down the hallway to the transporter with Beckett lingering behind.

Running his mind over everything he knew about her he knew he must have looked like he was in a world of his own but then it hit him. In the mindset she was in she would go where she felt safe. He felt eyes on him making him look up into the surprised faces around him. He quickly realised he must have said that out loud. Clearing his throat he scratched the back of his head trying to piece his thoughts together.

"She's unstable, she thinks she is being attacked or chased so she will go somewhere that she feels safe and secure." He looked at the others hoping anything he had said actually made sense.

"OK that can't be many places. Her quarters, the jumper bay and where else?"

"Her office and maybe the mess hall."

"Alright. Michaels take the mess hall, Ronon take her office, I'll take the jumper bay, and Lorne take her quarters. Lets do this quickly we don't have a lot of time." With a round of nods they were about to take off to their different destinations when a thought hit him.

"Hey Doc. Do you have anything we can use to knock her out?" Hearing a grunt behind him he turned seeing Ronon waving his gun. "If she sees that she's going to see it purely as an attack and she'll defend herself causing problems." All he received was a grumbled answer.

"Here. This will easily take down someone her size and then some." The Doctor's voice held the faintest hint of worry that caught more than just his attention.

Taking off in their different directions he was at the far end of the hallway leading to her quarters when something in his gut told him he was in the wrong place. Stopping he stared down the hallway his mind wandering to when they were laid at the bottom of the embankment. He had tried to apologise but she had simply told him that she trusted him and knew he would never hurt her. Spinning on his heel he ran back the way he came as fast as he feet would move. The hallways went zipping passed and he counted them checking he hadn't gone too far. Coming to a stop outside the door he swiped his hand over the crystals. Standing still for a moment he let his eyes adjust to the darkness before quietly stepping in.

He scanned the room and then looked again but nothing was out of the ordinary. Stepping in he looked more intently praying he had missed something, anything. His eyes settled on his bed looking at the rumpled sheets from a few hours ago, his shirt tangled in amongst the mess. Looking at the mess he felt the guilt rising. He hadn't known but the sudden leap their relationship took should have alerted him to something. But he had gotten lost in her, lost in the moment she had created.

Slumping down on the bed he realised he had thought wrong and had most likely failed her. Thinking rationally he realised she probably had gone to her quarters finding her personal space more of a comfort than he could ever be. He was about to push himself up from the bed when a small movement in the corner caught his eye. His easel seemed to tip slightly but the movement was minute. Creeping slowly across the room holding is breath should it make any sound he spotted a foot and then the body it belonged to huddled into the wall behind his easel. Her eyes were staring straight ahead completely void of anything.

Crouching down beside her he couldn't see her chest moving and he prayed that she was still there. Sliding closer he spotted the slight sheen to her flushed skin, the open shirt showing the top of her chest easily. Choosing to stay safe he reached out placing his hand over hers where it rested against the floor finding it hot and clammy. Even through the smallest touch he could feel the heavy throb of her heart beat making her arm vibrate.

"Merry can you hear me? I need to take you to the infirmary. Your ill. There was something in a plant in the jungle that's making you seriously ill. Merry?" He kept his voice low trying not to spook her into a rash reaction. His voice was steady and calm but inside he was a ball of conflict. The soldier was warring with the man trying to get to the same conclusion but in very different ways. Part of him was aware of the syringe in his vest and the urge to use it grew but the man wanted to her to trust him and come with him willingly.

Watching her waiting for some small sign that she could hear him he looked on as her eyes slowly closed a single tear slipping from its confines to run down her cheek unstopped. When her eyes shakily reopened he noticed the unfocussed gaze trying to settle on him.

"Evan, please help me."