NOTE: Sorry, this is just a teeny-tiny filler chapter until I have more time this weekend!

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Day 1- Czech and the City

When Mitchell finally leaves the messhall, the hour is stretching into that odd window between afternoon and evening. He doesn't really know where to go, and with no clear purpose finds himself wandering-- following clusters of people as they make their way through the hallways. At some point, he stops, leans against a wall, and just watches. Absorbed in his observations, he is nearly knocked off his feet by a fast-moving blur in a blue shirt.

Snatching his eyeglasses from the floor, the other man fumbles, "Sorry Colonel, didn't see you there… Umm… Do you mind if I ask what you're doing down here?"

Mitchell glances up and recognizes the small, foreign scientist from McKay's lab. He belatedly realizes how strange he must look, caught essentially staring down a transporter. Warily he explains, "I'm still trying to get a handle on the technology in this city. I guess I kinda got sucked into watching all these lights, doors, and controls."

With dawning comprehension, Zelenka eagerly nods, "Amazing isn't it? Even after almost two years, I still feel like a kid at Disneyland."

Genuinely curious, Mitchell asks, "Has the science team really been able to tap into all these ancient systems?"

The physicist absently runs a hand through his hair in frustration, "We've made so many amazing discoveries, but have only barely scratched the surface. Sure, we've got things online and working. But despite what Rodney says, we usually don't understand how or why. We're learning more everyday, I just hope it's enough."

Mitchell watches as another set of people enters the lift, "So, how does this activation thing work anyway? ...I mean, what does it feel like?"

With a sad tilt of his head Zelenka confesses, "Unfortunately, I don't know. I'm one of the failures of Carson's gene therapy. If you're interested, the person you should really ask is Colonel Sheppard."

Surprised by his answer, Cameron asks, "Why Sheppard? With 50/50 odds, shouldn't half the city be able to access the equipment?

The scientist scrunches his forehead in thought, explaining, "Yes and no. The Colonel still possesses the strongest gene that we've discovered in either galaxy. This gives him greater control over the technology. We haven't found a device yet that he hasn't been able to activate… even if the results are sometimes… unpredictable. I have to admit, I'm more than a little jealous. I can't begin to understand how he does what he does. Between you and me, I believe there's more to his connection with Atlantis than he lets on…"

Keeping his face neutral, Mitchell questions, "What do you mean?"

Mostly thinking out loud, Radek reflects, "I'm not sure. It's just little things. Sometimes the systems won't let anyone else interface. Other times, I've observed strange energy peaks following him down corridors or increased activity in odd sectors. When he's thought no one was paying attention, I've even overheard him talking to control panels."

"Umm… okay, talking to control panels…"

He tosses a wry grin at the visiting officer, "Hey, if a few words of encouragement fire-up a dormant system, I'll take what I can get."

Only half jokingly, Mitchell asks, "You're sure Sheppard's not cracking up?"

Zelenka sighs, "No, the Colonel is very sane… But ask me that again the next time he's intentionally egging on Rodney, and I might have a different answer." The concession seems to trigger a strain of mumbled Czech curses under this breath. "Anyway, I'm headed to the Control Room, if you'd like I could show you around..."

Mitchell raises a hand to forestall the enthusiastic scientist, "Nah, thanks Doc. I think I'm gonna crash. I've already had a whole lot to take in today."

He smiles in understanding, "Maybe later then."

Oddly grateful for even a mundane activity to look forward to, Cameron acknowledges his own exhaustion, "Sure Doc, I'll still be here for a week- that gives me plenty of time. You know, I'm actually starting to look forward to a few quiet days…"

Zelenka looks at him strangely then edges nervously away down the corridor.