Title: Amacuse
Author: Star
Feedback: on list or aostara @ yahoo dot com
Webpage: http://aostara.tripod.com/TheDen.html
Rating: G
Pairing: J/D
Category: POV (Teal'c)
Date: April 10, 2004
Status: Complete
Series: Not exactly. Semi-sequel to my zine story (Pretense #6).
Season/Spoilers: tag to The Lost City Part 2
Archive: AlphaGate; Area 52; The Cartouche. Anyone else please ask.

Synopsis: Teal'c and Daniel discuss Jack's final words

Notes: Thanks to the SoCal locals and Pam for the beta/advice/support!

Warnings:
A
R
N
I
N
G
S
S
P
A
C
E

Disclaimer: Stargate SG1 and its characters are the property of
Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions.I
do not own the characters and indeed am only playing with them for a little
while. I am not making any money from this and I'm still paying for
everything I own so there's very little point in suing me. No copyright
infringement whatsoever is intended. The story is for entertainment
purposes only. At least I hope it is entertaining. The original
characters, situations and story are mine. Please check with me first if
you want to archive or link to this story.





"DanielJackson."

Eyes red-rimmed with fatigue flitted unceasingly between page and monitor 
as one hand lifted, index finger raised in a familiar gesture.

Teal'c waited silently as Daniel resumed typing, a disapproving frown
appearing as he observed his teammate's unkempt state.  Having only 
recently escorted an equally worn MajorCarter to her customary on-base
lodgings, he resolved to keep a closer eye on both of his indomitable
young friends.  Once a solution to O'Neill's situation was found -- and
Teal'c had no doubt that one would be -- he would be most displeased to 
find the bulk of his team prostrate with exhaustion and worry.

Hunched shoulders straightened as Daniel clicked 'save' and slowly sat 
back in his chair, wincing as several loud pops marked the release of 
tension in his spine.  He turned toward the doorway with a wan smile on 
his lips.  Although it was only a faded remnant of better days, Teal'c 
acknowledged the effort with a bow of his head.

"Teal'c, come on in.  What can I do for you?"

"I've come to ask your assistance with a translation I've been attempting."

Current circumstances combined with Teal'c's previous time-loop-related
experience had made him an obvious choice to join Daniel's team in their
relentless scouring of the SGC's limited collection of Ancient texts.

Daniel leaned forward in his chair, curiosity evident on his expressive
face.  "Of course.  Is this from the temple on P3X-439?"

"No.  It is of a more personal nature."

Raised eyebrows and an expectant silence prompted Teal'c to continue.

"After the battle was over and the initial distress had passed, I found
myself contemplating O'Neill's final words to us."

As Daniel's gaze faltered, finally settling on the long fingers clasped
over the book in his lap, Teal'c became more confident in his suspicions.  
Uncharacteristically, he felt his own resolve waver, uncertain if leaving 
things at this point would be for the best.  Remembering previous instances 
where burdens shared seemed to lighten the load for both parties, he 
continued.

"I have consulted several Latin dictionaries and although 'aveo' is easily
deciphered, 'amacuse' is more... challenging."

A flush covered the bowed face and Teal'c wondered if DanielJackson would 
himself claim ignorance of O'Neill's meaning.  As Daniel's head lifted and
determined blue eyes met his, he realized it was a thought unworthy of the
oft-times reckless courage he'd seen displayed again and again.

"'Amacuse,'" Daniel began, the impassive, lecture-like quality of his 
voice at odds with the emotions visible in his now unwavering gaze.  "The 
Ancient precursor of the Latin 'amicus,' the singular, masculine form of 
a root alternately translated as friend, colleague or lover."

Teal'c nodded, making sure his face was out of view of the ever-present
security cameras before continuing in a softer, gentler tone.  "And were
you and O'Neill indeed reconciled?"  As the two nominal civilians of SG-1,
he and DanielJackson had shared many confidences over the years, and he 
had been well aware of the direction his friends' relationship had taken 
before their ill-fated mission to Kelowna.  He was also aware of O'Neill's 
reluctance to resume such a relationship upon the younger man's return, his 
fear of 'loving and losing' yet again having proven to be far greater than 
any concern over his military's cold-hearted regulations had ever been.

Daniel blinked rapidly and bit at his lower lip for a moment before 
replying, his voice low and rough.  "Yes.  Not long after... after we 
lost Janet.  He... we...."  He trailed off, looking wistfully around his 
office, lips twitching as if he wanted to continue, yet realizing this was 
neither the time nor the place.

"I will return to my quarters soon to engage in meditation.  You are, 
as always, welcome to join me," Teal'c said, a subtle reminder that, in 
deference to his privacy, the cameras in his room were left off except
for those occasions when the base was on alert.  

"Thank you, Teal'c.  I'd like that."

Driven by the depth of gratitude in Daniel's eyes, Teal'c retreated into 
the hallway and strode quickly toward the elevators, eager to prepare a 
sanctuary in which his heartsick companion could express his unsanctioned 
grief in safety.

(fin)