Disclaimer Applies
Chapter 14
Thoth moved slowly from Daniel Jackson's desk, slinking his way over to where Teal'c stood. Teal'c stiffened, holding the zatnikatel firmly in place, watching the body of his friend cautiously.
"Proceed no further," Teal'c warned, powering up the zatnikatel.
"We are finally alone, Teal'c," Thoth said smoothly. "I had wanted to take this opportunity to speak with you privately."
"I have no need of your false promises," Teal'c reminded him. "If you continue, I will be forced to fire upon you."
Thoth smiled, the kind of smile Teal'c would have never expected to cross Daniel Jackson's face, but one he had already seen far too many times over the past couple of days. "You would shoot me? Your friend?"
"I am not your friend. I am the friend of DanielJackson."
"And yet, you murdered his wife." Thoth narrowed his eyes. "My daughter."
Teal'c lifted his head, feeling the guilt from his past swell within him again. "I was forced to terminate the life of Sha're in order to save DanielJackson." He cocked his head. "If I had not, your daughter would have destroyed him."
Thoth nodded, bringing his bound hands upward, palms open in supplication. "And for this, my host is grateful. He has forgiven you long ago, Teal'c. As I have said, he has a great admiration and respect for you, one who would rise against his oppressors and do what he feels is right." Thoth took a step forward, tentatively reaching his hands towards Teal'c's face. Teal'c raised the zat gun higher. "Most admirable. And therefore, I feel it as well."
"I would do it again to protect DanielJackson."
Thoth nodded, still creeping closer, allowing his fingertips to stroke Teal'c's cheek. Teal'c took a step back, snatching Thoth's bound hands. Thoth chuckled.
"What trick is this?" Teal'c asked, glaring at the other man.
"No trick. We understand your desire to protect Daniel." He sighed, his expression soft as he moved closer. "We are very fortunate to have someone like you to protect us." Thoth smiled weakly, tears welling in his eyes. "It is my hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive us. Forgive him."
Teal'c frowned, easing his grip slightly. "For what do you speak?"
"Forgive him, Teal'c," Thoth whispered, barely speaking. "You are compassionate and true of heart. Which makes this more difficult to do."
As a sense of warning flared in his mind, Teal'c realized it was already too late. His moment of weakness had caused him to misread his prisoner's motives, and he feared he had now cost him his life, as well as the life of Daniel Jackson's.
Crying out, Teal'c hit the ground, feeling the sharp electrical currents emanate from Thoth's fingertips into his skull.
Then, there was nothing but darkness.