Teal'c sat on the floor of Daniel Jackson's small cell by the door. Though he had not been able to kelno'reem in many years, the cross-legged posture was still the most comfortable for him to take his rest. He had waited to retire until Daniel Jackson had fallen asleep. His friend had attempted to hide his pain, but his restless movements prior to falling asleep had alerted him to his friend's discomfort. Knowing that Daniel Jackson would prefer not to have others fret about him, Teal'c chose to keep a silent watch over him until exhaustion overtook him at last.
He was stirred to attention at the first light of dawn. He stood and checked on Daniel Jackson, but his friend still slept. It was not he that had caused Teal'c to stir, but rather a commotion outside of the cell. Teal'c stood by the door and listened attentively.
"I will have my retribution, Loren!" Teal'c identified the voice as Merrick's.
"The man has been severely injured," Judge Loren's voice argued. "I have decided to give him a day to recover before the punishments continue."
"He has no rights to a resting day!" Merrick shouted. "He stands accused, and he must face his retribution!"
"Need I remind you, Merrick, that his need for a resting day comes from the abuse he received from Raelynn, who was no doubt acting upon your suggestion?"
"Whatever Raelynn did, she did because she believed her actions to be just, not because I told her to."
"Whatever her reasoning, it is not the accused's fault that he suffered a far greater injury than he should have. It is only fair that we allow him time to recover before-"
"There are those among us who will insist upon continuing the retribution, Loren," Merrick interrupted. "Today."
"That is no one's decision but mine, Merrick."
"Is it?" Merrick challenged. "I wouldn't be so certain. I think you'll find that we will get what we wish for."
There was a pause, and Teal'c wondered if the two men had moved out of his hearing until he heard Judge Loren's voice again. "I refuse to believe that so many of my people have such cruelty in their hearts." The man sounded sorrowful.
"Are you certain enough to take that chance?" Again the voices stopped, but this time, they were followed by heavy footsteps that slowly became louder as they approached the cell. Judge Loren appeared at the door and he gave Teal'c an apologetic look as he opened the cell door. Teal'c peered around Judge Loren, but Merrick did not stand behind him.
"I instructed him to wait outside the courthouse," he said in explanation. "I still have some authority." Judge Loren glanced at Daniel Jackson, who was now stirring in the cot. "I am sorry for your friend. Merrick was once a good man, but he has been haunted by his son's death for many years. He has become someone I hardly recognize. I fear what his retribution may bring."
"I find it difficult to believe your apologies," Teal'c told him, "if you do nothing to stop your people."
"You must understand my position. If I do not placate them, I will lose all authority, and it may be much worse, for both Daniel and yourself." Teal'c chose not to acknowledge the man's words. "It is time," the judge said when Teal'c did not respond. "I will give you a few moments to rouse him and then I will come for him."
With that, the judge left the little cell and closed the door behind him. Teal'c knelt beside the small cot and laid a hand on Daniel Jackson's shoulder. His friend's eyes blinked open. "So much for a day to rest, huh?" he said, letting Teal'c know that he had heard what had transpired.
Teal'c nodded curtly. He helped Daniel Jackson sit up on the cot and then stood and looked closely at his friend. His face was pale and covered in a sheen of sweat. He had never put his shirt back on, and Teal'c could see the red blood that had seeped through the bandages that Brenna had applied the night before. He could not be certain if the blood was old, or if Daniel Jackson's wounds had reopened.
"Well, let's get this over with," Daniel Jackson said with a sigh. Teal'c held out his hand to help his friend stand. Daniel Jackson used Teal'c's arm to pull himself up and immediately wavered. Teal'c held on to his shoulders as Daniel Jackson closed his eyes and regained his balance. "Thanks."
Teal'c stayed at his side when Judge Loren came back to get them. The judge said nothing against Teal'c serving as escort, so Teal'c did not offer to leave. Instead, he offered Daniel Jackson his arm to stead himself with, and Daniel Jackson seemed grateful for it.