AN: NC-17 in this segment! Be warned!

Teal'c stood back and watched as his friend and teammate, Samantha Carter, tapped a few times on her keyboard, then hunched over, her shoulders shaking with repressed sobs. He moved without thinking, taking her into his arms as he tried to offer what little comfort he could.

"Teal'c," Sam sobbed, letting go of her grief. Daniel and Jack had been missing for months. There was no more hope left that they would be found. The SGC had been a somber place when her father, Jacob, had announced that even the Tokra had given up the search. That for the celebrity members of SG1 to go so long without a sighting meant that they were probably dead.

"Samantha, we cannot give up hope," Teal'c whispered, holding her tightly. It pained him greatly to see his friend like this.

"I'm sorry, Teal'c, but I don't know if I can keep hoping," Sam sniffled, pulling away to look at his face. "There's a part of me that wants to, that wants to demand we keep searching. But there's a part of me that wants to let them go, too."

Teal'c nodded, having faced the same dilemma himself. "I understand. It does not make you weak, SamanthaCarter, to want peace. I believe O'Neill and DanielJackson would understand as well, and would not want us to dwell on their absence."

Sam nodded, grateful she still had Teal'c to help her through this. He had been a pillar of strength for her, and had never called her on her tears. "Thank you, Teal'c."

"If you will follow me to my quarters, MajorCarter. I have something to share with you. Perhaps it will help," Teal'c offered. Sam nodded, curious. Teal'c was such a private person, and she suspected this was more than an offer to share Kelnoreem.

Once in Teal'c's quarters, he moved to collect the items he needed. He would not have shared this with anyone else, but felt Samantha would understand. In the center of the room, he placed a large silver candle, a bundle of sage, a clay bowl, an extra pair of Daniel's glasses, and O'Neill's wings, which he now only wore on his dress uniform.

Around the small altar he had created, he placed two cushions, and motioned for his friend to sit on one. Taking the cushion opposite her, he lit the candle, then the bundle of sage, leaving it to burn in the small bowl.

"On Chulak, when warriors are missing, the loved ones gather in a circle much like this one. The silver candles are precious, and are only used for such a ritual. They represent the future, forever hopeful that they will return. The sage brings purity to our thoughts, to banish any negativity. The personal items are gathered that best represent who the warrior was," Teal'c explained.

Sam nodded, unsure of what was going to happen, but grateful that Teal'c trusted her enough to share this with her. "I understand, so far."

"Those gathered in the circle then speak to the missing warriors, letting our their sorrow, joys, and grief. They share memories out loud. The right of Mal Tek is continued everyday, until either they return, or confirmation of their deaths comes."

Sam wiped away the new tears that had started. "Oh, Teal'c, thank you. It's perfect."

"There is no judgment in this ritual. You are free to speak your thoughts. Would you like to begin?" Teal'c offered.

Sam smiled. "I have no idea what to say."

"Whatever comes into your heart, Samantha."

"I've always wanted to tell them that I knew about their relationship. Since Daniel was in the coma, I knew. I don't know how many times I've stood by and watched them suffer alone. I'm so sorry, guys. I understand why you didn't tell me. You were trying to protect me. But I wanted to let you know that it's okay, that I'm here, if you ever needed me. I want to let you know that I'll protect you, as well. I was hurt, at first, but when I saw you together, I couldn't be angry. I love you both too much to deny you whatever happiness you have found together," Sam sobbed, her tears starting again.

Teal'c watched, proud of his friend. "I would wish you were together. That you care for, and protect each other now as you have always done. I would wish that the trials you are experiencing work only to bring you closer together, and closer to home. Safe journey, O'Neill, DanielJackson," Teal'c intoned.

"Safe journey guys, and come home soon," Sam whispered.