Expendable

after Politics and before Within the Serpent's Grasp Part 1

"Do you believe General Hammond will disobey orders and open the Chappa'ai once more to allow my return to Chulak?"

Both Teal'c and Jack had retreated to the gym to work out their frustrations with the immediate closing of the Stargate. Jack was jabbing away at the punching bag, while Teal'c was working the speed bag. The bag was a blur to Jack's eyes.

Jack stopped. Shortly, so did Teal'c, who turned to look at his Tau'ri ally.

The SG-1 leader understood all too well the sadness and regret he saw in Teal'c's expression. This, he knew, was one of those rare moments that the big guy would ever show any vulnerability. He felt honored that T trusted him.

"I believe he would if he could. Even though he's probably retiring after this" – he arched his gloved hand in a semi-circle in the air – "is all closed down, not even he would risk prison time. Which that bad joke of a senator would insist on." He sighed. "Besides, remember what he said when you wanted to leave to keep Ry'ac from getting … Junior-ized."

Teal'c shifted his expression to neutral. "Indeed." After a breath of silence, he continued, "If your leaders permit me to depart, will you accompany me as you indicated?" He suspected he knew the answer, and hoped he was correct. O'Neill had turned out to be a dedicated, formidable enemy of the false gods threatening the galaxy. To have this human continue on with him in the fight against the Goa'uld would give his people a significantly greater chance at victory.

Jack walked toward his fellow warrior until he was within easy reach. "Absolutely," he said with an unmistakable fierceness that shone through the quiet delivery of the solitary word, sending shivers through Teal'c's nervous system.

Teal'c couldn't deny his immense pleasure in knowing he was correct in his suspicion and hope that O'Neill would join him. And any lingering vestige of doubt he might have had in throwing his lot in with O'Neill and the Tau'ri vanished, as if it taken a zat'nik'atel's third shot. Freedom for all Jaffa suddenly seemed much closer.

Yet he knew the loyal officer must be conflicted, as was he when he deserted those who would continue to suffer under the savage rule of Apophis. And given the near certainty of Daniel Jackson's contention that Apophis was on his way to conquer Earth, he knew that O'Neill would be invaluable in that battle—in which he would surely die. "You would do this knowing you are needed here," he half-stated, half-questioned.

Jack winced. Daniel was probably right. They couldn't win, though they would die trying. And he was just a soldier, mere cannon fodder, like all soldiers before him and after. At least with Teal'c was an opportunity to extract payback for Earth. "This is the military, T. We always have more than we need." He paused, words from the past rising to his tongue. "I have nowhere to go."

Teal'c bowed his head deeply, wordlessly speaking the profoundness of his understanding.

The End