Vanquishing Demons
Title: Vanquishing Demons
Author: aurora_novarum
Category: Gen; Team friendship
Characters: Teal'c (obviously,it's for the tealc_ficathon); SG-1 and some other canon friends and enemies
Genre: Action/Adventure; Angst/Drama; Hurt/Comfort
Word Count: Approx. 17,000 words (I know, I know, I can't shut up)
Rating: Teen
Warnings: Violence (including whumpage); minor language
Season/Spoilers: Season 4, set immediately after the events in "Serpent's Venom"
Prompt: lovellama wanted "Hurt! Comfort! Action!" and did not want "Kid Fic, PWP, or Not going off world." I hope this fits the bill. I know it starts out on base, but they get offworld eventually, promise!
Summary: Teal'c is still recovering from the ordeal he suffered during Serpent's Venom when SG-1 is sent on a mission more dangerous than they realized.
Author's Notes: Thanks to my eleventh hour beta Fabrisse and moonshayde who inspired and organized this whole ficathon, as well as acted as additional last minute alpha and ancient cultures/languages resource. Any errors remaining are my own.
Disclaimer: Not mine, Sony outbid me. Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of MGM/Sony, Double Secret, Showtime, Gekko Productions, and a host of other people that are not me. No copyright infringement expressed or implied, and everything is borrowed with respect to the true owners and for entertainment purposes only (i.e. no money sought or received in the production of this fic). The original ideas, characters, and plot are the author's.
Also archived at Stargatefan as one page.
Part One: Haunted Memories
Teal'c breathed deeply, the slight odor of the candle wax wafting by him. Attuned to his senses, he could hear the more erratic breathing of Daniel Jackson meditating across from him, and Airman Roberts flirting with Carrie Mason in the hall outside his door. His symbiote, still agitated from the torture they had endured, was settling. Teal'c breathed even deeper.
He focused on his kel'no'reem. He needed this to recuperate, to heal, to be strong again and serve by the side of comrades. By doing this, he would be that much closer to meeting that goal, that much farther in putting the past behind him.
But whether it was from the trauma to his symbiote, to himself, or some other reason, the past did not yet let him go. His memories took him back to that dark chamber where he lived days of unending torture, with barely a sip of water to cross his lips. The echoing voice mocked him, ridiculing, offering false hope to end his torment-serving up lies and truths intermingled in an attempt to break him, to which all Teal'c could do was stay conscious and defy the parasite who pretended to be a god. The Goa'uld's name was a curse that haunted him, as he could still feel the memory of the pain stick and the hot breath so close to his face.
"Terok!"
Teal'c's eyes snapped open, and he gradually became aware that the voice he was hearing was not the hated Goa'uld's, but that of Daniel Jackson calling his name. His friend had moved from his own seat and was now next to Teal'c, feeling the pulse at his neck. Teal'c himself was lying on his side.
"Teal'c. Talk to me." He heard Daniel sigh and begin to move to the phone. "I'm calling the infirmary."
"I am fine."
Daniel Jackson blinked at him in surprise. "Teal'c." He smiled in relief. "You weren't answering me, and your pulse was skyrocketing. I really think Janet should check you out."
"It is unnecessary, a side effect of my symbiote's recuperation." Teal'c's voice brooked no argument, and he gave his friend his most intimidating glare. He knew the glare would not affect the stubborn human, but he hoped the confidence he was acting out would assuage any of Daniel Jackson's fears.
Daniel helped him sit up again, his gaze clearly assessing the Jaffa.
"I apologize for alarming you, Daniel Jackson. I was unaware that the reaction would do so."
"Teal'c, you were practically in a seizure, and you weren't answering me."
"As I have said, I apologize for having alarmed you." In truth, the reaction and the memories had frightened Teal'c as well, but he did not wish to display such weakness to anyone, not even his closest friends. They already had seen him in this weakened state for far too long. He knew they relied on his strength, and he could not disappoint them. "The injuries to my symbiote were severe. I would have warned you if I had anticipated the reaction."
"So, this was expected by you?" Daniel's eyebrows raised above his glasses in a skeptical manner.
"I am unable to reach the deep state of kel'no'reem to allow the proper healing to take place."
Daniel Jackson frowned at him, clearly deep in thought. "Are you saying I'm a distraction to you, Teal'c?"
Teal'c hesitated. He did not want to admit that Daniel Jackson's presence was actually a comfort to him. However, if he had any more incidents like this one, he knew his friend would not hesitate to call Doctor Fraiser, and Teal'c knew this was a weakness of his own mind, not his body. He had to work through it himself. He realized Daniel was still awaiting an answer. "I have told you that you are always welcome, Daniel Jackson."
"But sometimes more welcome than others?", Daniel Jackson's mouth quirked in a small smile, an indication he was not offended by the perceived implication. "I'm sorry, Teal'c. All you had to do was say something."
"I..."
"It's all right." Daniel's mouth set in a thin line. Perhaps his friend was more offended than he let on, but Teal'c's own emotions were in such an addled state, he dared not explain further for fear of alienating Daniel Jackson even more. Besides, this turn of events may be for the best.
Instead, Teal'c could tell from the human's body language that he was still not ready to end this conversation. Daniel Jackson took one of those intuitive leaps Teal'c had observed on many missions, as if he could read the Jaffa's mind.
"You know, it may help to talk about things. If you explain what happened, it could help you work through things."
"I did explain what occurred, Daniel Jackson. Doctor Fraiser is aware of my injuries. I see no need to discuss the matter further."
"I'm not talking about the bullet point report you provided when you debriefed. I'm talking about what happened to you: how you feel, what you're thinking. Teal'c, I'm your friend. I just want to help you. You went through a terrible ordeal. I'm not saying you have to talk to me, maybe you'd feel better talking to Jack or Sam. It's not a weakness to ask for help, you know. We're your friends. All you have to do is say the word."
Teal'c scowled. Of course he would help his friends with no thought of dishonor. But for him, it was different. There was nothing anyone else could do. These demons were only a weakness in his mind. The best thing was to forget them. They had no meaning outside his memories. If Daniel Jackson kept chipping away at his weakened outer stoicism, he would reveal this weakness to his friend, and the scientist would know his shame.
"I appreciate your concern, Daniel Jackson, but several hours of kel'no'reem should be sufficient. Perhaps it would be best if I see you in the morning."
Daniel sighed and got up from Teal'c's side. He paused by the door.
"What's 'terok'?"
"What?" Only Teal'c's years of discipline as a First Prime kept him from reacting more to his friend calmly stating the name of his enemy.
"Terok. You said it right before you collapsed."
"It means nothing." Teal'c stated the words forcefully.
Daniel Jackson looked at him, his expression clearly skeptical. "Right. I'll see you in the morning, then." Before he closed the door behind him, he paused again. "Teal'c? It's pretty late. I figure I'll just stay here in my quarters on base."
The "in case you change your mind" remained unstated. Teal'c merely nodded in response, but his soul was slightly more at peace by the overture.
"Well, your pouch is still a bit tender, and I'd like to give you an antibiotic to just help Junior out a bit more and prevent infection, but you're still making progress, considering the numerous injuries your symbiote has to heal." Dr. Fraiser nodded to a nurse and ordered the medication.
Teal'c refrained from telling her that his recuperation was actually taking longer than usual. Perhaps the Tau'ri medicine would help heal where his inability to properly meditate could not. His kel'no'reem was not as deep as it should have been; unwanted memories continued to intrude long after Daniel Jackson took his leave. Still, over several hours, Teal'c was able to concentrate enough to focus on the physical state. It was pure determination, not proper technique, that allowed the focus for his symbiote to repair his damaged body.
He withstood the sting of the injection with equanimity and nodded at Doctor Fraiser's easy smile. If the SGC healer was not detecting his infirmity, he would not correct her.
The klaxons began to blare and Sergeant Harriman's voice rang out over the intercom. "Unscheduled offworld activation."
"If you will excuse me, Doctor Fraiser."
He barely heard her response before he was out of the infirmary. He did not remember the voyage along the corridors, and could not even tell if he took the stairs or the elevator to Level 28. He moved automatically and swiftly, and before he knew it, he was at the door to the control room.
Two steps took Teal'c to the top of the small stairwell, and he was by Sergeant Harriman's side. As the man twisted in his chair to report to Hammond, he jumped at how close Teal'c was hovering.
"Um, it's SG-5, sir. They're requesting more materials for their survey."
General Hammond leaned forward to study the display. Disappointed in the mundane alert, Teal'c turned to go, but was startled to find Major Carter next to him. He had been so focused on the Stargate transmission, he was unaware of his surroundings. He vowed to himself not to become so preoccupied.
"Major Carter." He nodded and began to leave.
"Teal'c." Major Carter gave him a hopeful smile. Despite his attempt to move away, she doggedly followed. "Nothing needing us after all, huh?"
"Apparently not."
Teal'c was aware at how she brushed against his arm. She had been doing that since they had rendezvoused on the moon. Did his weakness show so much that Major Carter felt she must hover and protect him? He again vowed to himself to prove his self reliance before their next mission.
Daniel Jackson's words came back to him. "It's not a weakness to ask for help, you know. We're your friends. All you have to do is say the word." Was his pride exacerbating this situation? His kel'no'reem had been fitful, and he would not be able to proclaim himself ready to serve on SG-1 if he did not get some answers. His recent experiences had weakened his mental barriers. Teal'c prided himself on his compartmentalization; it was something Master Bra'tac had taught him. Thinking of Bra'tac brought a fresh pain to his heart. Though his mind and his soul said Bra'tac's death must be one of Terok's many lies, his heart still feared the worst.
With great reluctance, Teal'c allowed a small confession. "I had hoped it was Master Bra'tac. I wished to speak with him about some matters."
"Oh. You couldn't reach him on Chulak?"
"He was not there, and had not been seen in some time. No doubt he is recruiting more warriors to the rebel cause."
"No doubt." Sam gave a small smile. "You know, Dad's making a scheduled contact shortly for a shared intelligence briefing. If you want, I could ask him if he's heard any word about Bra'tac?"
Teal'c gazed down at her. She was watching him carefully. He kept his expression neutral, though his thoughts roiled at the possibility of finding out definitely that Terok's lies may actually have a kernel of truth. But living like this, not knowing, was becoming impossible.
Decision made, he nodded. "I would appreciate that, Major Carter."
Major Carter squeezed his arm. "Of course, Teal'c. What are friends for?"
The klaxons began to blare again. "This is probably him now. You want to stick around, ask him yourself?"
"I am sure you will explain it adequately Major Carter. Please...convey my regards to your father."
Major Carter flashed one of her blinding smiles. "Sure thing, Teal'c. Save me a seat at breakfast."
Teal'c nodded and walked towards the elevator. He had to admit, sharing a bit of his burden, even if not fully explaining the whole, had relieved a bit of the pain in his heart.
Breakfast seemed to relax Teal'c more than any kel'no'reem session could. It was a bustle of common, everyday activity with several personnel milling around, some greeting Teal'c by name or with a wave. He acknowledged them with a nod before placing his loaded tray on a table being vacated by some of the science staff.
He finished his juice and pancakes and was about to start on his fruit when Major Carter arrived. He watched her get some yogurt and granola before joining him at the table.
"The eggs look more powdered than usual this morning. I decided to avoid the hot meals." She gestured to his empty plate. "Waffles?"
"Pancakes. I believe O'Neill would call them 'rubbery'."
"Ah."
"It appears your choice not to partake was wise, Major Carter."
She grinned. "Indeed." She crumbled some of the granola over her yogurt and took a sip of tea.
"So, I spoke with Dad..." Her explanation was interrupted by two very familiar voices loudly talking over each other as they entered the room.
"Jack, you're missing the point entirely."
"No, I don't think I am, Daniel."
Teal'c stiffened for a moment. Were they arguing about him? Then he realized he was being paranoid. Daniel Jackson would never betray a confidence. This seemed more likely to be one of the pair's numerous arguments. Sometimes, Tea'lc believed the two men enjoyed the verbal sparring as a recreational sport. Daniel Jackson had a report in his hand that looked to be a photograph of some toppled buildings. He looked over at Major Carter.
"They're at it again, aren't they?" She was smiling at him.
Teal'c bowed his head. "Indeed."
The two men's voices still carried across the commissary as they got their food, oblivious to the looks they were getting from some of personnel, including their other teammates.
"The civilization on P5X-428 shows indication of an Mayan society dating back almost one thousand years earlier than any findings here on Earth. The ruins found there could be a key in discovering more about..."
O'Neill interrupted. "Daniel, you know SG-1 is a field unit. We can't go hopping around to study the ruins of every dead ancient civilization."
"I'm not talking about every ruins, Jack. I'm talking about these ruins."
"And I've already told you, no. You'll see the reports by SG-14."
"But..."
"Daniel, Hammond has already got our next three missions scheduled, two of them for planets you put on the priority list."
"I know, Jack. But this planet..."
"I know, Daniel. Yadda yadda, meaning of life."
"Jack."
"Daniel."
"That mission to P7K-956 is scheduled for Sam's minerals, and there's no evidence of civilization there. I could join SG-14 while you're on that one."
"N. O. No."
Teal'c noted the change in tone in O'Neill's voice. He glanced over Major Carter's shoulder to watch his teammates approach. O'Neill's expression was steeled and closed as he looked over at the table, his mouth a thin line.
O'Neill continued, "I'm not letting any members of my team go play with others, Daniel. You guys get into too much trouble on your own. May I remind you of Chaka? Or the snakeheads' light show?"
"That last one's not fair, you guys became just as infected on that pleasure planet."
Daniel Jackson's arguments had no force behind them now. Teal'c knew the two men were no longer discussing the archeologist being separated from the team, but himself. He had been captured by Rak'nor while alone. He could not be trusted on his own. He had shamed O'Neill and SG-1 by his weakness.
"SG-1 stays together." O'Neill stated firmly.
Not facing the others, Major Carter also appeared to sense the tonal change in the overheard argument, as well as Teal'c's reaction, because she placed a soothing hand on his arm and tried to redirect his attention.
"As I was saying, from what Dad told me, he hasn't heard anything about Bra'tac officially, but the Tok'ra have observed an increase in Jaffa leaving the ranks of a couple of the weaker system lords and not joining any other Goa'ulds. He promised to put some feelers out, specifically for Bra'tac."
Teal'c tamped down his anger and processed her words. More Free Jaffa meant Bra'tac was still spreading word of the rebellion. Terok must have been lying. He would not be satisfied until he could speak with the Jaffa Master himself, but for now, Major Carter's words comforted. Without worrying about Bra'tac, he could focus on his own state and no longer give O'Neill and the others reason for concern. He let out a slow breath to calm himself.
"I appreciate your assistance, Major Carter."
She smiled back at him. "Anytime, Teal'c."
The conversation between the two other members of SG-1 continued behind her.
"Carter's got to be dragged along to study your rocks, it's only fair you have to be dragged along for hers."
Daniel Jackson and O'Neill had arrived at the table by now. O'Neill came around the table and sat beside Teal'c as Daniel Jackson took the vacant seat beside Major Carter. Daniel Jackson had apparently overhead the last exchange between himself and Major Carter, because he was looking between them both before breaking out in a smile. He did not even rise to O'Neill's last teasing challenge.
"Morning, Sam, Teal'c. Doing okay?"
Although the question was directed at them both, Teal'c felt himself being studied like one of Daniel Jackson's artifacts. However, the smile his friend was flashing at him seemed to indicate something had met with Daniel Jackson's approval. Thinking about the end of the conversation with Major Carter, Teal'c realized that perhaps Daniel Jackson believed Teal'c had confided in her. If it kept his friend from worrying about him more, Teal'c would do nothing to alter that interpretation.
Major Carter appeared oblivious to any subtext. She responded normally. "Fine, Daniel. Sleep well?"
"Me? Oh, yeah. Kinda hung around here late, so decided to crash on base." Daniel glanced at Teal'c before looking at his plate and playing with the syrup on his waffles.
Teal'c was startled by what was on his commander's tray. "O'Neill, did you not instruct me to harm you if you ever ingested that food again?"
Everyone glanced down at the multicolored circles beginning to float as O'Neill poured milk into his cereal. "What? Yeah, I needed a change for a while, after that whole time loop thing, but you know a breakfast favorite never completely goes off the menu. Man does not live on oatmeal alone."
"No, apparently he also lives on sugar."
"You're one to talk, Daniel. How much syrup do you have on those waffles?"
Daniel Jackson glowered before cutting a bite of his food and chewing it slowly. Teal'c next watched O'Neill's hand flash over to his own tray and snatch a couple of grapes.
"What? You weren't going to eat all of them were you?" O'Neill raised his eyebrows innocently. Teal'c noted peripherally that Daniel Jackson's eyes twinkled at Teal'c, and Major Carter took a quick spoonful of her granola filled yogurt to cover her own laughter. Teal'c merely raised an eyebrow. Perhaps by participating in this banter, he would convince his friends that he was fine...and maybe even convince himself.
"Doctor Fraiser insisted that I eat a balanced meal."
"She didn't mean for you to weight lift a fruit basket and loaf of bread on a tray, Teal'c. Come on, you're hogging all the grapes."
As O'Neill reached over again, Teal'c grabbed his hand. "You have your Froot Loops, O'Neill. No one else is eating off another's tray."
"He's got you there, sir."
"No insubordination, Major. And I don't need further commentary from the peanut gallery." O'Neill waved his spoon around at his teammates. "I see how it is. Three against one. Just you wait."
Their meal was interrupted by an airman approaching them. "Sir, General Hammond has requested your team in the briefing room at 0930."
"Thank you, Airman." O'Neill dismissed the man and glanced at his watch. "Ten minutes, kids. Hurry up and finish. I think I'll scout ahead." O'Neill got up with his tray, snagging a few more grapes to take with him before leaving the rest of his team at the table. Teal'c exchanged puzzled looks with his other teammates. None of them knew what this unexpected briefing could mean.
The three members of SG-1 joined their commander in the briefing room and found SG-7 already there. That team's linguist was nervously fiddling with the audio visual remote as Hammond finished a phone call in his office. Everyone took seats around the conference table.
"So, what's up?" Daniel Jackson asked as he took a seat.
"Seems SG-7 has been playing in Goa'uld land and needs some backup." O'Neill picked absently at the edge of the table.
As Teal'c frowned, he noted Major Carter looking at SG-7. "Trouble?", she questioned.
"More like an opportunity, Major." Lieutenant Colonel Lewis smiled. "You're going to love this."
O'Neill rolled his eyes. "Let's wait for the General before you get my team drooling, shall we, Lewis?"
Colonel Lewis returned an unabashed grin at the higher ranked officer. Teal'c's curiosity was piqued, and by the expressions on Daniel Jackson's and Major Carter's faces, so were theirs.
It seemed they would not have to wait long, because at that moment, General Hammond entered the briefing room. The military members of both teams stood up.
"Be seated, people. As you may or may not be aware, SG-1, after you reported from the Tobin system of Heru'ur's demise, the Pentagon took advantage of the opportunity to order reconnaissance of some of the planets known to be in his territory. SG-7 here had a particularly interesting mission. Colonel Lewis?"
"Sir." In the General's presence, Lt. Colonel Lewis adopted a more professional manner. "We traveled to M4X-589. After careful reconnaissance, we discovered a small Jaffa presence and an human population of a few thousand. The village was only about five clicks from the Stargate. Much further along in the other direction were the temple and mines, which were where most of the Jaffa were stationed. We went undetected by the Jaffa, and the humans were very friendly, if a bit confused by our presence. We had a bit of a difficulty in translation."
Daniel Jackson shifted in his seat, Teal'c noticed his fingers twirling the pen in his hand distractedly. "What do you mean?"
"The natives did not speak English."
Everyone became a bit more interested. Daniel Jackson stopped twirling his pen and leaned forward. "That's unusual in and of itself. Most planets we've visited have spoken English, even when the written languages have varied dramatically."
Major Carter spoke up. "We've been theorizing that it's a factor of the Stargate itself that allows universal communication, storing the language of whoever may have traveled through it, but we've never been able to isolate any specific characteristics to prove the theory."
Daniel Jackson nodded. "Still, SG-7 is one of the teams that has an experienced linguist. Captain Collins here has a Masters in Classical Languages on top of training in Goa'uld." He turned, puzzled, to Captain Collins. "Could you at least determine the root derivation, Craig?"
Captain Collins shook his head. "This was where I hoped you would be able to help. The culture was actually predominantly Greek, which surprised me as a world run by Horus. Between that and Goa'uld, we were able to communicate in a rudimentary manner, but there was a lot that became confused." Captain Collins pressed the button to the audio-visual display.
The screen displayed was a videotape one of the members of SG-7 must have made while they were off world. It was unclear who was holding the camera, but Captain Collins appeared onscreen. He was hesitantly speaking to a group of elderly men in a stone columned building. Both Teal'c and Daniel Jackson leaned further to catch the conversations coming through the speakers.
Teal'c frowned. "It is a little used dialect. I have not spoken it more than half a dozen times. It was preferred by Cronus."
"Which would explain the Greek roots," Daniel Jackson murmured. "Can you rerun that last minute, Craig?"
Captain Collins nodded and complied. Daniel Jackson's brow furrowed in concentration. "Some of the words are Greek, but the pronunciation and accent is similar to Abydonian. I can see why you had trouble. There's also a mixture of Minoan and another Goa'uld dialect I've only learned from Teal'c and for which I haven't been able to trace a root as of yet."
Teal'c was able to contribute to the discussion. "It is possible Goa'uld transported the people there by ships. They were likely a gift of negotiation between Heru'ur and other system lords, possibly Cronus."
"Yes, we've noticed the little gifts they like to give each other," said O'Neill.
Teal'c looked over at his team commander. The man was a study in fury, but his face softened as he saw Teal'c watching him. For a moment, Teal'c had been able to forget about the past month; he had spoken of things in the abstract, but now he realized O'Neill was still remembering the conversation his team had overheard in the tel'tak, when Heru'ur was offering Teal'c's own battered body as a gift to Apophis. O'Neill was feeling rage on his behalf. Teal'c both appreciated O'Neill's concern and balked at the reminder he had been a helpless pawn in the Goa'ulds' game not long ago.
Wanting to turn the attention away from himself, Teal'c continued. "I am unaware of such an alliance between these system lords in my lifetime. The people most likely have been on that planet for several centuries."
Daniel Jackson nodded quickly. "It would also explain how the disparate language bases have intermingled into one fluid core."
"The people seem to have been there for a long time, and are getting tired of toiling for these gods. That was one thing that did come through." Captain Collins appeared pleased to contribute. "They certainly didn't find Heru'ur a benevolent god. When we hinted it may very well be that Heru'ur would never return, a few seemed overjoyed. They referred to him as heelk'sha."
Teal'c translated aloud. "An evil god. Then the people are ready to be freed from their slavery."
Colonel Lewis nodded. "Well, they won't mind losing the workload. They've been working for Heru'ur for generations, which brings us to the other reason M4X-589 is so interesting."
He nodded to Captain Collins, who fast-forwarded the tape for a few minutes. Once it was cued to the correct spot, he hit play. The scene that now appeared on the screen was shot from a distance. There was a group of buildings of varying architecture Teal'c recognized as a temple pyramid surrounded by outbuildings, and several hundred yards to the left...
"A naquadah mine."
"Not just any naquadah mine." Colonel Lewis placed a sample of the material on the briefing table. "Weapons grade naquadah. About the purest sampling we've ever come across according to initial readings. One of the younger villagers smuggled us a few samples of it."
"Really." Teal'c noticed Major Carter's eyes almost seemed dance as she turned to General Hammond. "Sir, such a pure ore could contribute in many of our ongoing applications of alien technology."
"Did you also notice the Jaffa hanging around the mine entrance and the temple?" O'Neill noted.
"Actually, that's one thing Captain Collins was able to glean from the elders." Daniel Jackson spoke distractedly, then blinked and looked sheepish. "Sorry, Craig. I jumped in from what I heard on the tape."
"No, actually, I couldn't quite understand what they were saying about the Jaffa. Something about the patrols changing. If you were able to translate..."
"The numbers of the Jaffa were in fact diminishing," Teal'c responded.
Daniel Jackson nodded. "Teal'c's right. What the one elder was saying in the early section of the tape was that the ships of the god has been making frequent visits in recent weeks and more and more of the Jaffa have been transported away to prepare for a battle."
"Probably the battle Heru'ur was planning to wage against the system lords at Apophis's side." Teal'c heard Major Carter mutter under her breath.
For his part Teal'c was anxious to partake of this mission. A chance to free more people from their enslavement, perhaps even convince the remaining Jaffa that the Goa'uld were not gods. Taking the naquadah could fuel the Tau'ri's efforts and equally thwart the system lords. Teal'c was going to enjoy this mission. All of these were worthy efforts, and it would be a way to prove to his team, and himself, that he was again fit for duty. His continued lethargy was just a mental weakness to be shaken off. Teal'c became aware of O'Neill studying him. With a snort, the SG-1 commander spun in his chair to face Lieutenant Colonel Lewis.
"All right, well, you've got Teal'c all happy to work on his freedom crusade, Daniel anxious to play mix and match with your smorgasbord of languages, and Carter salivating over the super naquadah you discovered. So, you got a prize for me?"
"Just the pleasure of our company, Colonel." Lieutenant Colonel Lewis grinned. "And of course the drinks will be on me when we get back."
O'Neill chuckled, and the rest of the group at the table suppressed grins, including General Hammond. Teal'c's own eyebrow raised and his heart lightened at the banter of warriors before battle. He almost forgot his concerns in the camaraderie around him.
O'Neill finished laughing. "Sold. When do we leave, General?"
"One hour, Colonel. As per SG-7's recommendation, both teams are going undercover dressed as temple priests. Dismissed."
Teal'c's movements were slow and methodical as he and his team geared up in the locker room. He waited until the others were preoccupied before raising his arms to let the robes fall down his body, turning away so that noone would notice his wince of pain. The days of being manacled to the ceiling still caused his muscles to be sore. His symbiote had been busy repairing worse damage.
Behind him, O'Neill was grousing. "There's not enough freedom of movement in these robes."
"You've worn them before."
"More times than I care to remember. That doesn't mean I like them."
"They're advantageous in the desert climates, Jack. Not to mention ceremonial. In fact..."
"Ah. No history lesson today, Daniel."
"I was about to say, they can be quite advantageous in hiding much of our gear without question, as you should remember."
Teal'c turned back around. O'Neill was scowling at Daniel Jackson, who returned the look with a bland, innocent expression on his own face.
Teal'c continued to move methodically as the banter continued to play out behind him. His teammates were reminiscing about various other undercover missions, O'Neill and Daniel Jackson made comments about their first mission on Abydos. There was only the briefest catch to his voice when Daniel Jackson recalled Sha're, so brief it might have only been in Teal'c's imagination. He still continued to bear the guilt he had caused Daniel Jackson long after his friend had forgiven him.
Teal'c must have been moving more slowly than he realized. Lost in his own thoughts, he was startled to hear Daniel Jackson and Major Carter were fully kitted and ready to go to armory.
"Meet you two in the Gate Room, sir?"
"Yep. Zats only for sidearms. If we're getting too close to Jaffa, zat charges should draw less attention than bullet holes."
"What about C-4 in the hem, sir?"
O'Neill smirked. "As Daniel pointed out, we should take advantage of those gear hiding qualities. If we need C-4, keeping our identity secret will be the least of our troubles."
Teal'c nodded and watched his two teammates leave. When he turned again, he realized O'Neill had moved closer and was leaning against the lockers closest to him.
"So, T. You ready to go?"
"I will soon be fully dressed, O'Neill."
"Teal'c."
Teal'c belted his robes. He knew he was acting as Rya'c did when he avoided facing his parents, but he needed a moment to school his emotions. He hated them being so close to the surface anymore. Another result of improper kel'no'reem. He needed to have control again, or he may lash out at O'Neill.
"How you doing?"
"I will be able to perform my duties."
"Teal'c, I know you'd kill yourself before you let any harm come to Daniel or Carter."
"Or you, O'Ne-"
"Or me. I know. But you will wear yourself out before admitting you have any problems. I need your honest assessment, not bravado."
"I am fine."
"Teal'c, you know Fraiser's only okayed you for light duty so far. Going for a jaunt on a Goa'uld occupied world is likely not what she had in mind."
Teal'c started to respond but O'Neill waved a finger in his face.
"Ah ah! As you once pointed out, 'Doctor Fraiser is usually correct in such matters.' Hey big guy, don't kid a kidder. We both know you're still not firing on all cylinders." O'Neill continued before Teal'c could question the expression. "Never mind. You know what I'm asking you, Teal'c. You and I both know we can't have problems in the field."
"I will not let you down, O'Neill."
O'Neill looked at him closely. They stood like that for a few moments.
"Okay. Good enough. I'll see you in the Gate room."
Part 2 can be found here
Author: aurora_novarum
Category: Gen; Team friendship
Characters: Teal'c (obviously,it's for the tealc_ficathon); SG-1 and some other canon friends and enemies
Genre: Action/Adventure; Angst/Drama; Hurt/Comfort
Word Count: Approx. 17,000 words (I know, I know, I can't shut up)
Rating: Teen
Warnings: Violence (including whumpage); minor language
Season/Spoilers: Season 4, set immediately after the events in "Serpent's Venom"
Prompt: lovellama wanted "Hurt! Comfort! Action!" and did not want "Kid Fic, PWP, or Not going off world." I hope this fits the bill. I know it starts out on base, but they get offworld eventually, promise!
Summary: Teal'c is still recovering from the ordeal he suffered during Serpent's Venom when SG-1 is sent on a mission more dangerous than they realized.
Author's Notes: Thanks to my eleventh hour beta Fabrisse and moonshayde who inspired and organized this whole ficathon, as well as acted as additional last minute alpha and ancient cultures/languages resource. Any errors remaining are my own.
Disclaimer: Not mine, Sony outbid me. Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of MGM/Sony, Double Secret, Showtime, Gekko Productions, and a host of other people that are not me. No copyright infringement expressed or implied, and everything is borrowed with respect to the true owners and for entertainment purposes only (i.e. no money sought or received in the production of this fic). The original ideas, characters, and plot are the author's.
Also archived at Stargatefan as one page.
Part One: Haunted Memories
Teal'c breathed deeply, the slight odor of the candle wax wafting by him. Attuned to his senses, he could hear the more erratic breathing of Daniel Jackson meditating across from him, and Airman Roberts flirting with Carrie Mason in the hall outside his door. His symbiote, still agitated from the torture they had endured, was settling. Teal'c breathed even deeper.
He focused on his kel'no'reem. He needed this to recuperate, to heal, to be strong again and serve by the side of comrades. By doing this, he would be that much closer to meeting that goal, that much farther in putting the past behind him.
But whether it was from the trauma to his symbiote, to himself, or some other reason, the past did not yet let him go. His memories took him back to that dark chamber where he lived days of unending torture, with barely a sip of water to cross his lips. The echoing voice mocked him, ridiculing, offering false hope to end his torment-serving up lies and truths intermingled in an attempt to break him, to which all Teal'c could do was stay conscious and defy the parasite who pretended to be a god. The Goa'uld's name was a curse that haunted him, as he could still feel the memory of the pain stick and the hot breath so close to his face.
"Terok!"
Teal'c's eyes snapped open, and he gradually became aware that the voice he was hearing was not the hated Goa'uld's, but that of Daniel Jackson calling his name. His friend had moved from his own seat and was now next to Teal'c, feeling the pulse at his neck. Teal'c himself was lying on his side.
"Teal'c. Talk to me." He heard Daniel sigh and begin to move to the phone. "I'm calling the infirmary."
"I am fine."
Daniel Jackson blinked at him in surprise. "Teal'c." He smiled in relief. "You weren't answering me, and your pulse was skyrocketing. I really think Janet should check you out."
"It is unnecessary, a side effect of my symbiote's recuperation." Teal'c's voice brooked no argument, and he gave his friend his most intimidating glare. He knew the glare would not affect the stubborn human, but he hoped the confidence he was acting out would assuage any of Daniel Jackson's fears.
Daniel helped him sit up again, his gaze clearly assessing the Jaffa.
"I apologize for alarming you, Daniel Jackson. I was unaware that the reaction would do so."
"Teal'c, you were practically in a seizure, and you weren't answering me."
"As I have said, I apologize for having alarmed you." In truth, the reaction and the memories had frightened Teal'c as well, but he did not wish to display such weakness to anyone, not even his closest friends. They already had seen him in this weakened state for far too long. He knew they relied on his strength, and he could not disappoint them. "The injuries to my symbiote were severe. I would have warned you if I had anticipated the reaction."
"So, this was expected by you?" Daniel's eyebrows raised above his glasses in a skeptical manner.
"I am unable to reach the deep state of kel'no'reem to allow the proper healing to take place."
Daniel Jackson frowned at him, clearly deep in thought. "Are you saying I'm a distraction to you, Teal'c?"
Teal'c hesitated. He did not want to admit that Daniel Jackson's presence was actually a comfort to him. However, if he had any more incidents like this one, he knew his friend would not hesitate to call Doctor Fraiser, and Teal'c knew this was a weakness of his own mind, not his body. He had to work through it himself. He realized Daniel was still awaiting an answer. "I have told you that you are always welcome, Daniel Jackson."
"But sometimes more welcome than others?", Daniel Jackson's mouth quirked in a small smile, an indication he was not offended by the perceived implication. "I'm sorry, Teal'c. All you had to do was say something."
"I..."
"It's all right." Daniel's mouth set in a thin line. Perhaps his friend was more offended than he let on, but Teal'c's own emotions were in such an addled state, he dared not explain further for fear of alienating Daniel Jackson even more. Besides, this turn of events may be for the best.
Instead, Teal'c could tell from the human's body language that he was still not ready to end this conversation. Daniel Jackson took one of those intuitive leaps Teal'c had observed on many missions, as if he could read the Jaffa's mind.
"You know, it may help to talk about things. If you explain what happened, it could help you work through things."
"I did explain what occurred, Daniel Jackson. Doctor Fraiser is aware of my injuries. I see no need to discuss the matter further."
"I'm not talking about the bullet point report you provided when you debriefed. I'm talking about what happened to you: how you feel, what you're thinking. Teal'c, I'm your friend. I just want to help you. You went through a terrible ordeal. I'm not saying you have to talk to me, maybe you'd feel better talking to Jack or Sam. It's not a weakness to ask for help, you know. We're your friends. All you have to do is say the word."
Teal'c scowled. Of course he would help his friends with no thought of dishonor. But for him, it was different. There was nothing anyone else could do. These demons were only a weakness in his mind. The best thing was to forget them. They had no meaning outside his memories. If Daniel Jackson kept chipping away at his weakened outer stoicism, he would reveal this weakness to his friend, and the scientist would know his shame.
"I appreciate your concern, Daniel Jackson, but several hours of kel'no'reem should be sufficient. Perhaps it would be best if I see you in the morning."
Daniel sighed and got up from Teal'c's side. He paused by the door.
"What's 'terok'?"
"What?" Only Teal'c's years of discipline as a First Prime kept him from reacting more to his friend calmly stating the name of his enemy.
"Terok. You said it right before you collapsed."
"It means nothing." Teal'c stated the words forcefully.
Daniel Jackson looked at him, his expression clearly skeptical. "Right. I'll see you in the morning, then." Before he closed the door behind him, he paused again. "Teal'c? It's pretty late. I figure I'll just stay here in my quarters on base."
The "in case you change your mind" remained unstated. Teal'c merely nodded in response, but his soul was slightly more at peace by the overture.
"Well, your pouch is still a bit tender, and I'd like to give you an antibiotic to just help Junior out a bit more and prevent infection, but you're still making progress, considering the numerous injuries your symbiote has to heal." Dr. Fraiser nodded to a nurse and ordered the medication.
Teal'c refrained from telling her that his recuperation was actually taking longer than usual. Perhaps the Tau'ri medicine would help heal where his inability to properly meditate could not. His kel'no'reem was not as deep as it should have been; unwanted memories continued to intrude long after Daniel Jackson took his leave. Still, over several hours, Teal'c was able to concentrate enough to focus on the physical state. It was pure determination, not proper technique, that allowed the focus for his symbiote to repair his damaged body.
He withstood the sting of the injection with equanimity and nodded at Doctor Fraiser's easy smile. If the SGC healer was not detecting his infirmity, he would not correct her.
The klaxons began to blare and Sergeant Harriman's voice rang out over the intercom. "Unscheduled offworld activation."
"If you will excuse me, Doctor Fraiser."
He barely heard her response before he was out of the infirmary. He did not remember the voyage along the corridors, and could not even tell if he took the stairs or the elevator to Level 28. He moved automatically and swiftly, and before he knew it, he was at the door to the control room.
Two steps took Teal'c to the top of the small stairwell, and he was by Sergeant Harriman's side. As the man twisted in his chair to report to Hammond, he jumped at how close Teal'c was hovering.
"Um, it's SG-5, sir. They're requesting more materials for their survey."
General Hammond leaned forward to study the display. Disappointed in the mundane alert, Teal'c turned to go, but was startled to find Major Carter next to him. He had been so focused on the Stargate transmission, he was unaware of his surroundings. He vowed to himself not to become so preoccupied.
"Major Carter." He nodded and began to leave.
"Teal'c." Major Carter gave him a hopeful smile. Despite his attempt to move away, she doggedly followed. "Nothing needing us after all, huh?"
"Apparently not."
Teal'c was aware at how she brushed against his arm. She had been doing that since they had rendezvoused on the moon. Did his weakness show so much that Major Carter felt she must hover and protect him? He again vowed to himself to prove his self reliance before their next mission.
Daniel Jackson's words came back to him. "It's not a weakness to ask for help, you know. We're your friends. All you have to do is say the word." Was his pride exacerbating this situation? His kel'no'reem had been fitful, and he would not be able to proclaim himself ready to serve on SG-1 if he did not get some answers. His recent experiences had weakened his mental barriers. Teal'c prided himself on his compartmentalization; it was something Master Bra'tac had taught him. Thinking of Bra'tac brought a fresh pain to his heart. Though his mind and his soul said Bra'tac's death must be one of Terok's many lies, his heart still feared the worst.
With great reluctance, Teal'c allowed a small confession. "I had hoped it was Master Bra'tac. I wished to speak with him about some matters."
"Oh. You couldn't reach him on Chulak?"
"He was not there, and had not been seen in some time. No doubt he is recruiting more warriors to the rebel cause."
"No doubt." Sam gave a small smile. "You know, Dad's making a scheduled contact shortly for a shared intelligence briefing. If you want, I could ask him if he's heard any word about Bra'tac?"
Teal'c gazed down at her. She was watching him carefully. He kept his expression neutral, though his thoughts roiled at the possibility of finding out definitely that Terok's lies may actually have a kernel of truth. But living like this, not knowing, was becoming impossible.
Decision made, he nodded. "I would appreciate that, Major Carter."
Major Carter squeezed his arm. "Of course, Teal'c. What are friends for?"
The klaxons began to blare again. "This is probably him now. You want to stick around, ask him yourself?"
"I am sure you will explain it adequately Major Carter. Please...convey my regards to your father."
Major Carter flashed one of her blinding smiles. "Sure thing, Teal'c. Save me a seat at breakfast."
Teal'c nodded and walked towards the elevator. He had to admit, sharing a bit of his burden, even if not fully explaining the whole, had relieved a bit of the pain in his heart.
Breakfast seemed to relax Teal'c more than any kel'no'reem session could. It was a bustle of common, everyday activity with several personnel milling around, some greeting Teal'c by name or with a wave. He acknowledged them with a nod before placing his loaded tray on a table being vacated by some of the science staff.
He finished his juice and pancakes and was about to start on his fruit when Major Carter arrived. He watched her get some yogurt and granola before joining him at the table.
"The eggs look more powdered than usual this morning. I decided to avoid the hot meals." She gestured to his empty plate. "Waffles?"
"Pancakes. I believe O'Neill would call them 'rubbery'."
"Ah."
"It appears your choice not to partake was wise, Major Carter."
She grinned. "Indeed." She crumbled some of the granola over her yogurt and took a sip of tea.
"So, I spoke with Dad..." Her explanation was interrupted by two very familiar voices loudly talking over each other as they entered the room.
"Jack, you're missing the point entirely."
"No, I don't think I am, Daniel."
Teal'c stiffened for a moment. Were they arguing about him? Then he realized he was being paranoid. Daniel Jackson would never betray a confidence. This seemed more likely to be one of the pair's numerous arguments. Sometimes, Tea'lc believed the two men enjoyed the verbal sparring as a recreational sport. Daniel Jackson had a report in his hand that looked to be a photograph of some toppled buildings. He looked over at Major Carter.
"They're at it again, aren't they?" She was smiling at him.
Teal'c bowed his head. "Indeed."
The two men's voices still carried across the commissary as they got their food, oblivious to the looks they were getting from some of personnel, including their other teammates.
"The civilization on P5X-428 shows indication of an Mayan society dating back almost one thousand years earlier than any findings here on Earth. The ruins found there could be a key in discovering more about..."
O'Neill interrupted. "Daniel, you know SG-1 is a field unit. We can't go hopping around to study the ruins of every dead ancient civilization."
"I'm not talking about every ruins, Jack. I'm talking about these ruins."
"And I've already told you, no. You'll see the reports by SG-14."
"But..."
"Daniel, Hammond has already got our next three missions scheduled, two of them for planets you put on the priority list."
"I know, Jack. But this planet..."
"I know, Daniel. Yadda yadda, meaning of life."
"Jack."
"Daniel."
"That mission to P7K-956 is scheduled for Sam's minerals, and there's no evidence of civilization there. I could join SG-14 while you're on that one."
"N. O. No."
Teal'c noted the change in tone in O'Neill's voice. He glanced over Major Carter's shoulder to watch his teammates approach. O'Neill's expression was steeled and closed as he looked over at the table, his mouth a thin line.
O'Neill continued, "I'm not letting any members of my team go play with others, Daniel. You guys get into too much trouble on your own. May I remind you of Chaka? Or the snakeheads' light show?"
"That last one's not fair, you guys became just as infected on that pleasure planet."
Daniel Jackson's arguments had no force behind them now. Teal'c knew the two men were no longer discussing the archeologist being separated from the team, but himself. He had been captured by Rak'nor while alone. He could not be trusted on his own. He had shamed O'Neill and SG-1 by his weakness.
"SG-1 stays together." O'Neill stated firmly.
Not facing the others, Major Carter also appeared to sense the tonal change in the overheard argument, as well as Teal'c's reaction, because she placed a soothing hand on his arm and tried to redirect his attention.
"As I was saying, from what Dad told me, he hasn't heard anything about Bra'tac officially, but the Tok'ra have observed an increase in Jaffa leaving the ranks of a couple of the weaker system lords and not joining any other Goa'ulds. He promised to put some feelers out, specifically for Bra'tac."
Teal'c tamped down his anger and processed her words. More Free Jaffa meant Bra'tac was still spreading word of the rebellion. Terok must have been lying. He would not be satisfied until he could speak with the Jaffa Master himself, but for now, Major Carter's words comforted. Without worrying about Bra'tac, he could focus on his own state and no longer give O'Neill and the others reason for concern. He let out a slow breath to calm himself.
"I appreciate your assistance, Major Carter."
She smiled back at him. "Anytime, Teal'c."
The conversation between the two other members of SG-1 continued behind her.
"Carter's got to be dragged along to study your rocks, it's only fair you have to be dragged along for hers."
Daniel Jackson and O'Neill had arrived at the table by now. O'Neill came around the table and sat beside Teal'c as Daniel Jackson took the vacant seat beside Major Carter. Daniel Jackson had apparently overhead the last exchange between himself and Major Carter, because he was looking between them both before breaking out in a smile. He did not even rise to O'Neill's last teasing challenge.
"Morning, Sam, Teal'c. Doing okay?"
Although the question was directed at them both, Teal'c felt himself being studied like one of Daniel Jackson's artifacts. However, the smile his friend was flashing at him seemed to indicate something had met with Daniel Jackson's approval. Thinking about the end of the conversation with Major Carter, Teal'c realized that perhaps Daniel Jackson believed Teal'c had confided in her. If it kept his friend from worrying about him more, Teal'c would do nothing to alter that interpretation.
Major Carter appeared oblivious to any subtext. She responded normally. "Fine, Daniel. Sleep well?"
"Me? Oh, yeah. Kinda hung around here late, so decided to crash on base." Daniel glanced at Teal'c before looking at his plate and playing with the syrup on his waffles.
Teal'c was startled by what was on his commander's tray. "O'Neill, did you not instruct me to harm you if you ever ingested that food again?"
Everyone glanced down at the multicolored circles beginning to float as O'Neill poured milk into his cereal. "What? Yeah, I needed a change for a while, after that whole time loop thing, but you know a breakfast favorite never completely goes off the menu. Man does not live on oatmeal alone."
"No, apparently he also lives on sugar."
"You're one to talk, Daniel. How much syrup do you have on those waffles?"
Daniel Jackson glowered before cutting a bite of his food and chewing it slowly. Teal'c next watched O'Neill's hand flash over to his own tray and snatch a couple of grapes.
"What? You weren't going to eat all of them were you?" O'Neill raised his eyebrows innocently. Teal'c noted peripherally that Daniel Jackson's eyes twinkled at Teal'c, and Major Carter took a quick spoonful of her granola filled yogurt to cover her own laughter. Teal'c merely raised an eyebrow. Perhaps by participating in this banter, he would convince his friends that he was fine...and maybe even convince himself.
"Doctor Fraiser insisted that I eat a balanced meal."
"She didn't mean for you to weight lift a fruit basket and loaf of bread on a tray, Teal'c. Come on, you're hogging all the grapes."
As O'Neill reached over again, Teal'c grabbed his hand. "You have your Froot Loops, O'Neill. No one else is eating off another's tray."
"He's got you there, sir."
"No insubordination, Major. And I don't need further commentary from the peanut gallery." O'Neill waved his spoon around at his teammates. "I see how it is. Three against one. Just you wait."
Their meal was interrupted by an airman approaching them. "Sir, General Hammond has requested your team in the briefing room at 0930."
"Thank you, Airman." O'Neill dismissed the man and glanced at his watch. "Ten minutes, kids. Hurry up and finish. I think I'll scout ahead." O'Neill got up with his tray, snagging a few more grapes to take with him before leaving the rest of his team at the table. Teal'c exchanged puzzled looks with his other teammates. None of them knew what this unexpected briefing could mean.
The three members of SG-1 joined their commander in the briefing room and found SG-7 already there. That team's linguist was nervously fiddling with the audio visual remote as Hammond finished a phone call in his office. Everyone took seats around the conference table.
"So, what's up?" Daniel Jackson asked as he took a seat.
"Seems SG-7 has been playing in Goa'uld land and needs some backup." O'Neill picked absently at the edge of the table.
As Teal'c frowned, he noted Major Carter looking at SG-7. "Trouble?", she questioned.
"More like an opportunity, Major." Lieutenant Colonel Lewis smiled. "You're going to love this."
O'Neill rolled his eyes. "Let's wait for the General before you get my team drooling, shall we, Lewis?"
Colonel Lewis returned an unabashed grin at the higher ranked officer. Teal'c's curiosity was piqued, and by the expressions on Daniel Jackson's and Major Carter's faces, so were theirs.
It seemed they would not have to wait long, because at that moment, General Hammond entered the briefing room. The military members of both teams stood up.
"Be seated, people. As you may or may not be aware, SG-1, after you reported from the Tobin system of Heru'ur's demise, the Pentagon took advantage of the opportunity to order reconnaissance of some of the planets known to be in his territory. SG-7 here had a particularly interesting mission. Colonel Lewis?"
"Sir." In the General's presence, Lt. Colonel Lewis adopted a more professional manner. "We traveled to M4X-589. After careful reconnaissance, we discovered a small Jaffa presence and an human population of a few thousand. The village was only about five clicks from the Stargate. Much further along in the other direction were the temple and mines, which were where most of the Jaffa were stationed. We went undetected by the Jaffa, and the humans were very friendly, if a bit confused by our presence. We had a bit of a difficulty in translation."
Daniel Jackson shifted in his seat, Teal'c noticed his fingers twirling the pen in his hand distractedly. "What do you mean?"
"The natives did not speak English."
Everyone became a bit more interested. Daniel Jackson stopped twirling his pen and leaned forward. "That's unusual in and of itself. Most planets we've visited have spoken English, even when the written languages have varied dramatically."
Major Carter spoke up. "We've been theorizing that it's a factor of the Stargate itself that allows universal communication, storing the language of whoever may have traveled through it, but we've never been able to isolate any specific characteristics to prove the theory."
Daniel Jackson nodded. "Still, SG-7 is one of the teams that has an experienced linguist. Captain Collins here has a Masters in Classical Languages on top of training in Goa'uld." He turned, puzzled, to Captain Collins. "Could you at least determine the root derivation, Craig?"
Captain Collins shook his head. "This was where I hoped you would be able to help. The culture was actually predominantly Greek, which surprised me as a world run by Horus. Between that and Goa'uld, we were able to communicate in a rudimentary manner, but there was a lot that became confused." Captain Collins pressed the button to the audio-visual display.
The screen displayed was a videotape one of the members of SG-7 must have made while they were off world. It was unclear who was holding the camera, but Captain Collins appeared onscreen. He was hesitantly speaking to a group of elderly men in a stone columned building. Both Teal'c and Daniel Jackson leaned further to catch the conversations coming through the speakers.
Teal'c frowned. "It is a little used dialect. I have not spoken it more than half a dozen times. It was preferred by Cronus."
"Which would explain the Greek roots," Daniel Jackson murmured. "Can you rerun that last minute, Craig?"
Captain Collins nodded and complied. Daniel Jackson's brow furrowed in concentration. "Some of the words are Greek, but the pronunciation and accent is similar to Abydonian. I can see why you had trouble. There's also a mixture of Minoan and another Goa'uld dialect I've only learned from Teal'c and for which I haven't been able to trace a root as of yet."
Teal'c was able to contribute to the discussion. "It is possible Goa'uld transported the people there by ships. They were likely a gift of negotiation between Heru'ur and other system lords, possibly Cronus."
"Yes, we've noticed the little gifts they like to give each other," said O'Neill.
Teal'c looked over at his team commander. The man was a study in fury, but his face softened as he saw Teal'c watching him. For a moment, Teal'c had been able to forget about the past month; he had spoken of things in the abstract, but now he realized O'Neill was still remembering the conversation his team had overheard in the tel'tak, when Heru'ur was offering Teal'c's own battered body as a gift to Apophis. O'Neill was feeling rage on his behalf. Teal'c both appreciated O'Neill's concern and balked at the reminder he had been a helpless pawn in the Goa'ulds' game not long ago.
Wanting to turn the attention away from himself, Teal'c continued. "I am unaware of such an alliance between these system lords in my lifetime. The people most likely have been on that planet for several centuries."
Daniel Jackson nodded quickly. "It would also explain how the disparate language bases have intermingled into one fluid core."
"The people seem to have been there for a long time, and are getting tired of toiling for these gods. That was one thing that did come through." Captain Collins appeared pleased to contribute. "They certainly didn't find Heru'ur a benevolent god. When we hinted it may very well be that Heru'ur would never return, a few seemed overjoyed. They referred to him as heelk'sha."
Teal'c translated aloud. "An evil god. Then the people are ready to be freed from their slavery."
Colonel Lewis nodded. "Well, they won't mind losing the workload. They've been working for Heru'ur for generations, which brings us to the other reason M4X-589 is so interesting."
He nodded to Captain Collins, who fast-forwarded the tape for a few minutes. Once it was cued to the correct spot, he hit play. The scene that now appeared on the screen was shot from a distance. There was a group of buildings of varying architecture Teal'c recognized as a temple pyramid surrounded by outbuildings, and several hundred yards to the left...
"A naquadah mine."
"Not just any naquadah mine." Colonel Lewis placed a sample of the material on the briefing table. "Weapons grade naquadah. About the purest sampling we've ever come across according to initial readings. One of the younger villagers smuggled us a few samples of it."
"Really." Teal'c noticed Major Carter's eyes almost seemed dance as she turned to General Hammond. "Sir, such a pure ore could contribute in many of our ongoing applications of alien technology."
"Did you also notice the Jaffa hanging around the mine entrance and the temple?" O'Neill noted.
"Actually, that's one thing Captain Collins was able to glean from the elders." Daniel Jackson spoke distractedly, then blinked and looked sheepish. "Sorry, Craig. I jumped in from what I heard on the tape."
"No, actually, I couldn't quite understand what they were saying about the Jaffa. Something about the patrols changing. If you were able to translate..."
"The numbers of the Jaffa were in fact diminishing," Teal'c responded.
Daniel Jackson nodded. "Teal'c's right. What the one elder was saying in the early section of the tape was that the ships of the god has been making frequent visits in recent weeks and more and more of the Jaffa have been transported away to prepare for a battle."
"Probably the battle Heru'ur was planning to wage against the system lords at Apophis's side." Teal'c heard Major Carter mutter under her breath.
For his part Teal'c was anxious to partake of this mission. A chance to free more people from their enslavement, perhaps even convince the remaining Jaffa that the Goa'uld were not gods. Taking the naquadah could fuel the Tau'ri's efforts and equally thwart the system lords. Teal'c was going to enjoy this mission. All of these were worthy efforts, and it would be a way to prove to his team, and himself, that he was again fit for duty. His continued lethargy was just a mental weakness to be shaken off. Teal'c became aware of O'Neill studying him. With a snort, the SG-1 commander spun in his chair to face Lieutenant Colonel Lewis.
"All right, well, you've got Teal'c all happy to work on his freedom crusade, Daniel anxious to play mix and match with your smorgasbord of languages, and Carter salivating over the super naquadah you discovered. So, you got a prize for me?"
"Just the pleasure of our company, Colonel." Lieutenant Colonel Lewis grinned. "And of course the drinks will be on me when we get back."
O'Neill chuckled, and the rest of the group at the table suppressed grins, including General Hammond. Teal'c's own eyebrow raised and his heart lightened at the banter of warriors before battle. He almost forgot his concerns in the camaraderie around him.
O'Neill finished laughing. "Sold. When do we leave, General?"
"One hour, Colonel. As per SG-7's recommendation, both teams are going undercover dressed as temple priests. Dismissed."
Teal'c's movements were slow and methodical as he and his team geared up in the locker room. He waited until the others were preoccupied before raising his arms to let the robes fall down his body, turning away so that noone would notice his wince of pain. The days of being manacled to the ceiling still caused his muscles to be sore. His symbiote had been busy repairing worse damage.
Behind him, O'Neill was grousing. "There's not enough freedom of movement in these robes."
"You've worn them before."
"More times than I care to remember. That doesn't mean I like them."
"They're advantageous in the desert climates, Jack. Not to mention ceremonial. In fact..."
"Ah. No history lesson today, Daniel."
"I was about to say, they can be quite advantageous in hiding much of our gear without question, as you should remember."
Teal'c turned back around. O'Neill was scowling at Daniel Jackson, who returned the look with a bland, innocent expression on his own face.
Teal'c continued to move methodically as the banter continued to play out behind him. His teammates were reminiscing about various other undercover missions, O'Neill and Daniel Jackson made comments about their first mission on Abydos. There was only the briefest catch to his voice when Daniel Jackson recalled Sha're, so brief it might have only been in Teal'c's imagination. He still continued to bear the guilt he had caused Daniel Jackson long after his friend had forgiven him.
Teal'c must have been moving more slowly than he realized. Lost in his own thoughts, he was startled to hear Daniel Jackson and Major Carter were fully kitted and ready to go to armory.
"Meet you two in the Gate Room, sir?"
"Yep. Zats only for sidearms. If we're getting too close to Jaffa, zat charges should draw less attention than bullet holes."
"What about C-4 in the hem, sir?"
O'Neill smirked. "As Daniel pointed out, we should take advantage of those gear hiding qualities. If we need C-4, keeping our identity secret will be the least of our troubles."
Teal'c nodded and watched his two teammates leave. When he turned again, he realized O'Neill had moved closer and was leaning against the lockers closest to him.
"So, T. You ready to go?"
"I will soon be fully dressed, O'Neill."
"Teal'c."
Teal'c belted his robes. He knew he was acting as Rya'c did when he avoided facing his parents, but he needed a moment to school his emotions. He hated them being so close to the surface anymore. Another result of improper kel'no'reem. He needed to have control again, or he may lash out at O'Neill.
"How you doing?"
"I will be able to perform my duties."
"Teal'c, I know you'd kill yourself before you let any harm come to Daniel or Carter."
"Or you, O'Ne-"
"Or me. I know. But you will wear yourself out before admitting you have any problems. I need your honest assessment, not bravado."
"I am fine."
"Teal'c, you know Fraiser's only okayed you for light duty so far. Going for a jaunt on a Goa'uld occupied world is likely not what she had in mind."
Teal'c started to respond but O'Neill waved a finger in his face.
"Ah ah! As you once pointed out, 'Doctor Fraiser is usually correct in such matters.' Hey big guy, don't kid a kidder. We both know you're still not firing on all cylinders." O'Neill continued before Teal'c could question the expression. "Never mind. You know what I'm asking you, Teal'c. You and I both know we can't have problems in the field."
"I will not let you down, O'Neill."
O'Neill looked at him closely. They stood like that for a few moments.
"Okay. Good enough. I'll see you in the Gate room."
Part 2 can be found here