A/N: finally, I'm back! RL has been craaaaazy I tell ya! extremely busy week, then laptop charger dying on me... got stuck with a netbook for now... oh well that's better than nothing right? I've finally gotten around to your reviews, thanks so much for bearing with me being late :) I am quite excited to share this chapter with you as we get a rare insight in Teal'c's POV :)

As usual, many thanks to all reviewers/followers/readers/favorites, and also (in no particular order) to dpdp, mmkbrook and LoneWolfOneill for their usual awesomeness! A big hug and thanks-I-love-you to Demetra83 for the storyline, and on with the show!

Chapter 25 – Teal'c

"So, Jack, have you gone through any of the current files?" Daniel asked after a few minutes of silence, as everyone perused the menu to chose their starters and mains.

"A few, yeah. I wanted to report my trip to the White House but Hayes said no."

"Why would he do that?" Janet asked.

"'Cause he thinks I'm just trying to get out of it, but between Carter recovering and Reynolds being off-world, I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place!" Jack sighed.

Sam realized her husband shouldered a heavy burden; she hoped she was usually of more help.

"And who did he actually propose assume the interim leadership in your absence?" Daniel inquired sipping his champagne.

"Carter, who else?"

His sip almost went down the wrong way, but Daniel managed to swallow the precious, tasty beverage as Janet softly patted his back.

"And what about doctor's orders?" she asked.

"Doc, can Carter get back to work, under medical supervision, otherwise the planet will be in danger?" Jack wryly answered the petite doctor.

Janet agreed tentatively, although she'd make sure to keep an eye on her patient.

"I'm guessing there must be a standard operating procedures manual?" Sam jumped in as the conversation concerned her as well.

"I think you did put one together, but I don't know if it's up-to-date," Jack confessed.

Sam had spent a lot of time writing down all SOPs for the SGC, but nobody, including himself, had ever read the manual. He felt ashamed right then, he understood she must have spent a lot of time and energy redacting it.

"We'll go get it from your lab before I leave, and evaluate the situation," he offered.

"And we'll look after her anyway. I'm sure Siler will be happy to help with 'Gate-related issues, Teal'c and I will help with the rest, and Janet will take care of her health," Daniel stated.

"Thanks guys, I appreciate it."

"Hey, ladies here!" Sam and Janet interjected.

"Well, you're all my men, my guys, so no gender bias!" Jack laughed.

Jack looked at his wife, and found her most definitely as gorgeous as she used to be, even more if that was at all possible. The years passed had made her more radiant, and she had this certain pregnancy glow about her, now that she wasn't sick any longer. Sam scanned the room and her eyes met his.

"What?" she asked at his knowing smirk.

It was identical to the one he'd had after he'd kissed her in the control room during the time loop, but only Teal'c recognized it.

"Nothin'."

Teal'c arched his usual eyebrow but remained silent. Sometimes Tauris were quite difficult to understand, he mused. He himself had known from the beginning that these two shared more, much more, than their mutual passion for flying; and he was actually surprised they hadn't been caught in compromising situations more often.

Every time Samantha Carter had been in danger, O'Neill reacted in an excessive manner. He could not be approached during these times, as he was too despicable and arrogant. When she would hug another man, even in a friendly manner – the way she would hug Daniel Jackson, General Hammond or himself, O'Neill would scowl. Jealousy could pretty much be seen pouring out of him if you would pay attention closely enough, which no one else obviously had. When she would feel sad, he would find a good reason to hug her. When she would be hurt, he would stand vigil at her bedside. All this was excused under the pretext of being a good team leader, which he undeniably was, but there was much more behind all of this.

Samantha Carter on the other hand found it more difficult to mask her feelings, but it could be passed off as admiration toward her commanding officer. As a younger woman, people often said she idolized him, and saw him as a father figure (her third, with General Hammond often mentioned as well). When O'Neill had disappeared on other worlds, she had relentlessly worked, unconsciously copying O'Neill's behavior as she'd become harsh and abrupt with her men. When he would cross the line with other women, the tension between them was almost palpable, at least to Teal'c. He could feel what others could not see. And he had seen what no one else could ever imagine.

He had stumbled across stolen kisses behind almost-closed ship gates, brief but passionate embraces before entering the wormhole back to Earth. Sometimes, their radios would remain silent, and they would make themselves scarce for several minutes. When that happened, Teal'c suspected their embrace would be more... intimate. They had never put the lives of SG1 in danger, simply taking advantage of calmer missions to find time just for themselves.

But every single one of their gestures, every single one of their words would betray their love for each other. Nobody could be so blind as to not see what was blatantly obvious: they were extremely smitten with each other.

As O'Neill had said, he would rather die than lose Samantha Carter. Needless to say, he would never abandon her on an enemy vessel either.

O'Neill was a great warrior, as per Jaffa standards, and had always done his duty, defying death every time. Why could they not be allowed to love each other? Samantha Carter was of the same caliber also, she was a heroine in her own right.

Teal'c had been afraid SG1 would be going up in smoke in the past, especially when O'Neill came back after he had decided to betray his country and seek refuge on Edora, where he had a casual encounter with Laira. Samantha Carter and O'Neill both had been aloof, but Teal'c could clearly see O'Neill would have walked around the base on his sore knees if Samantha Carter would have asked him to do so. She had instead maintained her cold, aloof attitude so as to protect herself, and heal.

A/N2: that's all for today folks! hope everyone enjoyed this little foray into Teal'c's mind, and hope to see you all very soon :) R&R please? Love you x Mwah xxxxxxxxxx