THREE

"I've already accepted Teal'cs' resignation," said Hammond. "He'll be leaving in the morning."

"Just like that?" asked Jack finally. "No discussion, no pros and cons, no exchange of opinions? Just you're leaving and that's it?"

"Yes, O'Neill," said Teal'c. "It is best this way."

"This is nuts," said Jack. "Teal'c, how can you just leave like this? You're part of the team. You know, one for all and all for one and all that?"

"I must do as I feel best, O'Neill," said Teal'c.

Hammond knew there would be some discussion on the matter. For the moment, he felt it best that he just remained quiet and let Jack and the others get things out of their systems.

"Teal'c, have you thought this through?" asked Daniel. "If you go back to Chulack, you'll be hunted by the Gould. It's possible that even some of your own people will turn you in."

"Yes, Daniel Jackson," said Teal'c. "I have considered that. However, on our last mission, when we were fighting the Jaffa, I realized something. If I could convince the Jaffa that the Goa'Uld are false gods, they would then join us. Without the Jaffa, the Goa'Uld are nothing. I realized that I had to return to Chulack to convince them of that."

"Teal'c," said Sam, "you've tried to convince other Jaffa about the Gould before. You weren't always successful. What makes you think you'll be any more successful this time?"

"I do not know if I will be, Major Carter," said Teal'c. "But I must try. If enough will join me, it is possible that we can disrupt the system lords from the inside. Perhaps it will be enough to free some of those who suffer on Goa'Uld rule."

"Teal'c, you can't just leave," said Jack. "We need you here. You're a part of this team. We can't function like we're supposed to without you."

"I do not make this decision lightly, O'Neill," said Teal'c. "I have heard you say many times to others that each person must choose their own path. That each must serve where he will be the most effective."

"I don't say that," protested Jack. Then, almost sheepishly, he added, "do I?"

"Well," said Daniel, "not in so many words, Jack, but, yeah, you do. If Teal'c thinks he can be more effective on Chulack, I, for one, wish him the best. You will be missed around here, Teal'c."

"I wish you the best, too, Teal'c," said Sam. "I wish you weren't leaving, but if you think it's something you have to do, I can't see us standing in your way."

"And I shall miss you," said Teal'c.

Jack just looked at Teal'c. The two had become good friends over the past five years. They had risked their lives for each other on countless occasions. It wouldn't be easy to let the big Jaffa go. But Jack knew that once Teal'c set his mind to something, it was nearly impossible to change it.

"Well," said Jack, "don't stay away too long. I won't have anyone around here that I have to explain my jokes to."

"I will return when I can," said Teal'c. "Know that I take with me that which I have learned from each of you. Things which I believe have helped me to become a better person.

"Major Samantha Carter. When I served the Goa'Uld and worshiped them as gods, I thought females useful only for cooking, cleaning, and bearing the young. You have shown me that a female can possess the strength and courage of a male. And that a female can stand proudly at a males' side as an equal."

"Thank you, Teal'c," said Sam. "I appreciate that."

"Dr. Daniel Jackson," said Teal'c. "You are not a soldier as the rest here are. When I served the Goa'Uld, had I met you, I would not have considered you a worthy opponent. But you have shown me that even those who are not warriors can have honor. And that each can fight in their own way."

"There are different types of honor, Teal'c," said Daniel. "I'm just glad we had a chance to work together. I've learned a great deal from you, as well."

"General Hammond," said Teal'c, turning to the general. "When I served the Goa'Uld, I thought all leaders to be cruel, selfish, and uncaring. I believed this was the way to best lead those under my command. You have taught me that a leader can have compassion and concern for those he commands. And that a commander can be a friend as well as a commander to those he commands."

"Thank you, Teal'c," said Hammond. "It's been an honor serving with you."

Teal'c turned to Jack. Of those gathered in the room, Teal'c felt closest to Jack. The two were fellow warriors. He had come to look upon Jack as a kindred spirit.

"What did you learn from me?" asked Jack, uncomfortably. "Bad jokes and stubbornness?"

"You have taught me much, O'Neill," said Teal'c. "You have taught me that a man can lead others and still look upon them as equals. You have taught me that even when hope is gone, we must continue to fight. And you have taught me that an enemy can become closer than a friend. That he can become a Ch'Iil Tok - a brother.

"You have all taught me much. I shall take this and teach it to those who will join me. I will try to teach all my people these values. Now, I must prepare for my return to Chulack."

He bowed slightly to the group, then he left the room.

"That was quite an honor he paid to you, Jack," said Daniel, "when he called you Ch'Iil Tok. In Teal'cs' language there is no exact translation. But it actually means someone who's closer than a brother. It's rarely used."

"Let's not go getting all sappy now," said Jack. "Teal'cs' leaving and there's apparently nothing we can do about it. Let's just get on with things as best we can."

"I'll start looking for Teal'cs' replacement immediately," said Hammond. "Dismissed."