Author: Fififolle

Disclaimers: I do not own these characters; this is written for fun, I make no money etc.

Spoilers: early season 1

A/N: Set soon after they arrive in Atlantis.

Summary: Zelenka has a dilemma…but all is not what it seems…just a bit of fun.

"Come on, Carson, blow harder!"

Zelenka could hear the voice of Dr Rodney McKay as he approached the quarters of the said principal scientist. The Czech slowed his pace as more of the conversation drifted his way.

"It's not as easy as you think, Rodney! I'm about done in."

"How hard can it be?" the Canadian whined. "We're almost there!"

"Just let me have a wee rest for a minute."

"Move over! I'll just have to do it myself!"

"Well, good, carry on. I did my bit."

There were some thumps and groans and strange shuffling noises coming from the room. Zelenka stood motionless looking at the door. He was unsure what to do. Should he knock? Should he retreat and return at a less…inconvenient moment? What was going on in there?

As Zelenka shifted his weight to make a measured withdrawal, the door suddenly slid open in front of him. He stumbled backwards as the shocked face of McKay greeted him.

"Zele… Zelenk…hello, what can I do for you?" McKay looked a little hot and breathless, and stood with both arms leaning over the door frames, obscuring the view into the room behind.

"It's Zelenka, Dr McKay. I am sorry to disturb you; I was merely trying to contact you. The diagnostic of the 'gate shield is complete. I thought you would want to review the results, but your radio was…not on." Zelenka was alternating his gaze between McKay, and trying to peer inside. He could see something large and red filling the space, with a flustered Dr Carson Beckett stumbling around also.

"Just let him in, man!" called an exasperated Beckett. "You can't keep it secret for much longer, anyhow."

McKay sagged as he stopped trying to fulfil the function of a door. "All right." He waved towards the interior. "Would you like to give us a hand, Zelenka? We could do with an extra body anyway."

Zelenka rubbed his eyes under his glasses as he stepped forward. "What in the universe have you here, gentlemen?" he whispered.

"Isn't she beautiful?" McKay's pride was unbound. "She's my inflatable kayak. Personal item. Knew Atlantis would have water. Pretty neat, huh?"

"Kayak?" queried Zelenka, one eyebrow raised, peering at McKay.

"Sorry, perhaps you might understand canoe, as you probably come from one of the ignorant nations…" McKay's eyes shot daggers at Carson, as he saw the huge grin spread across the Scot's face.

"That was not quite what I meant…" Zelenka mumbled, but McKay wasn't listening.

The long, slender inflated boat looked about twelve feet long to Zelenka. It was awkwardly jammed into the room, and Beckett was hauling a pair of paddles from somewhere underneath.

"Your personal item, Dr McKay? But, how did you ever manage to bring this? A carefully folded kayak I can understand, but…"

Beckett smirked, "Well, let's just say, if there happened to be an extra box near the defibrillation equipment…"

"…marked 'paddles'?" suggested Zelenka.

"Exactly. Then I never noticed. We could have done with a bloody footpump though." Beckett leaned wearily against the wall.

McKay rubbed his hands. "I can't wait to get on board. Will you guys give me a hand carrying her down to the north pier? What do you say?"

Beckett clapped his hand on Rodney's shoulder. "Aye, of course. She's a beauty, Rodney. It was all worth it. We'll soon have her in the water. Radek?"

"Aye, aye, Captains!" Zelenka smiled. "Count me in."

A/N : Thanks to hubby for the read through, and dedicated to him 'cos he wants an inflatable kayak. Hope you enjoyed this piece of silliness. Thanks to everyone who's reviewed my work so far, and those who have added it to their C2s. Cheers everyone!