Homecoming
Chapter 1
Earth: that is where those who were formerly part of the Atlantis expedition resided at the moment. It had been nearly 5 months now since their return from the Pegasus galaxy, and things were going quite well; although Ronan, Teyla, Rodney, Jennifer, and Richard each had their own apartments now in the United States, they tried to see each other as often as possible, which was at least once a month. Radek, however, decided to travel back to his home country: the Czech Republic. Initially, it was Rodney and Jennifer who convinced Radek to go back home. It happened about a month ago during a dinner conversation at Rodney and Jennifer's new house in San Fransisco, California:
Radek said to Rodney as he was taking sips of his glass of red wine, "I just want to see more of this planet, you know? You never realize how much you have taken a planet for granted until you've been in an entirely different galaxy for five years."
"I know what you mean," answered Rodney. "But why don't you? You have the time and finances to go wherever you want!"
"No," Radek began, waving his hand dismissively at Rodney's suggestion. "I think it is best I live in California for a while. After all, I do like this area and I love my home…so there's not much more I need. Besides, where would I go?"
Jennifer entered the conversation by inquiring, "Didn't you say you had a girlfriend back in the Czech Republic?"
A little astonished by her question, Radek responded, "Well…yes, but… I-I'm sure she has found someone else by now. It would be selfish of me to expect otherwise."
"It wouldn't hurt to pay her a visit," Jennifer pointed out. "If you wanted to, just tell her that you wish her the best; that you're still alive and willing to be her friend."
"Also, you should just get out for once," said Rodney. "You've been cooped up here in California for 5 months. If I were you, I would just go where I wanted to… live a little while you still can."
The whole "live a little while you still can" is what made Radek's decision. Who knows what the days ahead had in store for him? After all, Radek had applied for a few job opportunities. So, he could end up being called in to work some place any time now. Zelenka cringed at the notion. Although Radek loved to work, he really wasn't ready for it. Just about anybody who had seen or experienced what the city of Atlantis was truly like would agree the events of the Pegasus galaxy were more thrilling and suspenseful than any career on Earth could provide.
Even so, Radek was aware that he needed money to live and that to accomplish such a task he needed a job. But Radek still wanted to see his girlfriend from five years ago; Anastázie Nováková, just one last time… even if it was merely telling her that he was alive. So, a week later he took a flight to Prague, Czech Republic.