Radek Zelenka was very happy at the moment. He and Rodney were standing in the control room, where Rodney was getting ready to apologize over the citywide speaker. Elizabeth, looking amused, was standing on the other side of Rodney, a fact which also made Radek happy. An apology from the "Magnificent McKay" and an opportunity to gaze at Elizabeth, both at the same time! Life was good.
Rodney, on the other hand, was not so happy. Actually, you could say he looked like he swallowed a lemon, except for the fact that he would be dead if that happened. He was muttering to himself under his breath, something that sounded like "Snickers bar, Snickers bar..."
"Any time you are ready, Rodney," said Radek smugly.
With ill grace, Rodney stabbed the button to activate the speakers. He cleared his throat. "Um, may I have your attention. I, Rodney McKay, would like to take this opportunity to formally apologize to my colleague, Dr. Radek Zelenka. On two occasions, I insulted him when he was trying to get me out of messes that I created. Well, one of those times wasn't actually my mess. If Cadman had just moved a little faster... Oh, sorry. Right, back to the apology. On two occasions, I insulted Radek when he was trying to save my butt. It was very obnoxious and arrogant of me, and I'm sorry."
After a short pause, Radek said, "That's it?"
"That's it!"
"But you didn't say the most important part. Come on, we discussed this."
"Do I have to?" Rodney whined.
"Yes, Rodney, you have to! Otherwise you forfeit your candy stash. Dr. Weir is witness."
"Oh, fine!" Rodney huffed. He stabbed the button again. "I also wanted to say that I'm sorry for doubting Radek's abilities. He is... he is... he is almost... as smart... as I am! There!"
"Very gracious of you," said Elizabeth dryly. Radek just shook his head. He knew that this was the most he could hope to get from Rodney.
"Thank you, Rodney," said Radek solemnly. Inside he was trying not to laugh. "Apology accepted. Your Snickers bar is safe." He held out his hand, which Rodney shook after a minute. Then Rodney bolted from the room, no doubt to make sure that his valuable possession was still intact.
Elizabeth looked at Radek and grinned. "Think we should tell him the Daedalus brought a new supply of chocolate?"
"Oh, yes! But if I may make suggestion, you may want to have Dr. Beckett stand by with a crash cart when you do so."
