Set sometime during Season 3

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Rodney couldn’t find Sheppard. He wasn’t answering him on the radio. He wasn’t in the Gate Room. Or his quarters. Frustrated, Rodney decided to pick up a snack before resuming his search for the suddenly-elusive Sheppard.

As he walked in, he saw Teyla, Sheppard, Ronon and Radek –Radek?!– huddled together in the corner of the mess hall. Something was going on.

He marched over there, determined to give them a piece of his mind about leaving him out of the loop, when Teyla flashed him a conspiratorial smile.

All traces of annoyance fled.

John stepped to the side and let him into the tight huddle. “What we’re about to say can not be repeated to anyone. Especially Elizabeth.”

Rodney sputtered for a few seconds. What could possibly be secretive enough to keep Elizabeth out of the loop?

“We are planning a surprise party for her. Sheppard says they are popular on your planet,” Ronon said, looking confused at the notion.

Rodney felt a smile spread across his face. This was a secret he could keep.

Together, they planned every detail of the party from the cake flavor –no lemon – to the big gift – John had volunteered to be in charge of that. Rodney had gleefully offered to be the one who would keep Elizabeth busy while they set up the party –having the ability to complain about anything suddenly was an attribute.

Once everything had been decided, the small group broke apart.

Rodney smiled as he walked down the hallway. Being in the loop was fun.