Disclaimer: I don't own SG-1...they get into enough trouble w/o my help!

Realizations 3

Who would have thought that his whole life would be changed around in the space of only a day? Many years had come and gone, each with him seeking a newer, higher position of honor. An honor to stand beside his master. His god.

He had finally achieved it too, becoming First Prime to Apophis. The Jaffa with the most power among the others, and most loyalty. His god had been pleased at his efforts, and that he always did as he was bid.

That was until the fated day, when Apophis had brought in dozens of people from other worlds. He had merely assumed they would be slaves, but instead Apophis had chosen them to die. Events leading up to this had been upon his mind, thus staying his hand even as he led the other Jaffa amongst the prisoners. Events that had sent him questioning the authority his god – his master – held.

He had known there was no help for these people – the ones who pleaded and begged for their miserable lives. Perhaps if they had known for what they were begging, they would not have so readily turned from death. But only he, the first prime, knew what they did not. A knowledge that came at a risk and high price to pay if he were to rebel.

But there were four people among the many. Four who seemed capable of doing whatever it took to succeed. These four refused to accept death as many of the others did. He could see it in their eyes. Their postures stood ready for battle, despite the fact they were all of them unarmed.

One of the men had spoken clearly, in a commanding tone, a regretful tone. A tone he read as potential. Instinct, rather than preservation, kicked in, and he found himself turning and firing at his fellow Jaffa. In that moment, he knew what it was he was doing. To be Sho'vah was to become the lowest of the low – a first prime turned into rouge, good only for the bounty on his head.

But after it had been said and done, did the realization truly hit. He had rebelled against the god he had for so long worshipped. His way of life was over, to be questioned and drilled like a young Jaffa questioned for loyalty. Only his knowledge could help these people, and while it seemed like madness, he knew the reason for it: Self-preservation. So primitive and yet so effective, it was amusing that the Goa'uld had not struck them down before this.

But there was one difference between these people and the Goa'uld. They were not arrogant and they were not selfish. They wanted to extend freedom to all worlds – enslaved or not – and surprisingly enough, he found himself drawn towards them. This, he could live with, he realized with startling clarity. And more importantly, he found himself believing in the cause that all Jaffa might come to realize their plight and turn from it. It would be a fine goal, Teal'c thought, if he succeeded.

A/N: It was all just a matter of time...I have two more people left, then I'm back to using any episodes to just jot down their thoughts. I'm having fun with this...if you've got any suggestions, please don't hesitate to ask. Who knows, I might actually use it!