Gnine

And, yes, I love Keller's character. She's not John and Rodney to me by any means (there's no question they're my favorites and always will be), but the reason I love her is the same reason I love Rodney and Radek and all of the other scientists. I love a character who, at her field, is brilliant. She's confident and composed when she's performing surgery or doing her research, and she's a good leader in the infirmary, but out in the field she's unsure about her ability to be, well, out in the field. I don't think they pick the scientists based on their field skills--they pick the ones who are the brightest and the best in their professions. So, it's no issue for me that Keller doesn't have "extra skills", but is, in fact, as qualified off world as all the other scientists in Atlantis. I'm glad she's not a Mary Sue, i.e. black belt in judo, a fencing champion, as well as being a brilliant doctor. It's what endears her to me. So, when I write her, I write her inner fears and concerns when out in the field, but when she's doing her thing--whether in the infirmary or performing field medicine--she's strong and certain. To me, it's a difference of their words versus their actions. Rodney always says he can't do something. He imagines the worst scenario. He panics and, to this day, freaks out. But then, when it comes down to brass tacks, he just does it. I think of Keller the same way.

Long answer to your post. Sorry!