Author: Flatkatsi

Email: flatkatsi@optusnet.com.au

Status: Complete

Category: Episode tag.

Pairings: None

Spoilers: Abyss Homecoming

Season: 7

Sequel/Series Info: Sequel to Decision.

Rating: G

Content Warnings: None

File Size: 25kb

Archive: Incoming Wormhole, Jackfic

Summary: It all comes together.

Disclaimer: Stargate Sg-1 and its characters are the property of Stargate (II) Productions, Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. This story is for entertainment purposes only and no money exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author. This story may not be posted elsewhere without the consent of the author.

Teal'c stood waiting.

He had heard footsteps outside his door. Footsteps that he had recognised as Colonel O'Neill's. Teal'c could recognise O'Neill's footsteps anywhere.

Just as he could understand his mercurial moods.

He waited.

There was a long silence.

He was willing to wait.

Jack stood thinking.

He had made the journey to Teal'c's quarters in about half the time that it normally took him, striding quickly down the empty corridors of the sleeping base.

Now he hesitated.

Thinking.

What exactly did he hope to achieve here? What did he really want?

Not an answer.

He already knew what the answer was.

My friend is still there. Outside my door.

Why does he not enter?

Is it because he does not wish to talk to me? Not want to see me?

Perhaps I will merely serve to remind him of what he lost to Ba'al. His freedom, his peace of mind and perhaps a little of his sanity. Each of these are things that can be eaten away slowly, piece by piece, each small bite sometimes diminishing the person.

O'Neill was not diminished. He remains whole.

A creature such as Ba'al could not lessen one such as O'Neill.

He just needs to realise this.

I will wait.

If O'Neill does not choose to enter now, I know that there will come a time when he will.

I am content to wait.

The door isn't going to open by itself. I have to knock. But I'm not sure that I want to.

There really isn't any point, is there?

I've answered my own question. Why Ba'al?

Because it was logical.

Crap. I'm channelling Spock here.

But it was Ð logical.

I really have to think about this.

Be unemotional.

There is no blame here. Teal'c did what he had to. I don't have to like it, but I can accept it.

It was just a shock Ð that's all.

Just thinking about that snake son of a bitch makes my heart start to race. I might hide it well, but I know that I have to get myself under control. I can't afford to let the mention of Ba'al affect me like that.

I can't.

If I do, he wins. It may be just a small win, but sooner or later little wins add up to one large victory.

I won't let that happen.

He won't win.

The knock that I have waited for finally comes. I draw a deep breath and open my door.

My friend stands on the threshold.

"O'Neill"

"Just wondered if you felt like a late supper, T? I heard that they were serving a new flavour of ice cream today."

"Indeed, O'Neill, then I would be happy to accompany you."

"Great"

A small victory, but a victory none the less.