Origin
Briar Elwood
Chapter XXV
Letters
In the time that John's team spent packing, Q decided to pull out pictures she had taken of the new script on the stone monument and translate them. Curiosity had grabbed a hold of her and, from what she was finding out, SG-1 deserved to know what it said.
The O'Neill Household…
"Jack…" Sam called. Jack looked up to see Sam staring at the mail in her hand. She held out two pieces of paper, her gaze fixed on two other similar pieces with the rest of the mail. "It's a picture of a section of the stone monument…and a translation."
"I thought Daniel said it didn't matter what it said," Jack mused, taking the papers from his wife.
"Well, it's Q's handwriting. And I think I know why he said that," Sam replied. "They're messaged to us. There's one for Rose too."
Jack didn't answer as he was intently reading Daniel's letter to him.
Jack—You're an idiot, you know that? Of course, I'm worse. Just look at what I've done. Anyway. Take care of Sam. And Rose, too, of course. Don't forget to take care of yourself as well. I miss you.
Jack couldn't help but smile wryly at Daniel's entire message. It was so like him…
Sam was smiling also.
Sam—I'm sorry. I hope you realize that. Take care of Jack, Rose and, as always, yourself. Please help Vala take care of her son. And if Ettan ever comes back…well, you do well with him. If you wouldn't mind. I miss you, Sam.
After finishing hers, Sam woke Rose up from her nap and read hers to her.
Rose—I don't know if you remember me, but I'm you uncle Daniel. You have wonderful parents. Keep them in line. And I hope you're friends with Aunt Vala's son. I love you, Rose.
When she was old enough to understand, Rose had her father frame it.
Cameron's Apartment…
Cam sat on his couch after Carolyn left, one hand holding his head up, the other holding two pieces of paper, one with Q's handwriting all over it.
Cameron—Please, please, please keep the team together. Keep them strong. I know you have your own problems, everyone does, but as the leader of SG-1, you need to keep them together. You went to so much work to bring us back all those years ago, you can't let it break up now because of my stupid mistake. I miss you guys.
Teal'c's Quarters…
"Hey, muscles," Q greeted, knocking on the open door. "Where's Ishta? Never mind, none of my business. Anyway." She held out a photo and piece of notebook paper. "This is for you."
Teal'c took the paper and photograph from her, frowning at it as he began to read.
Teal'c—Emotions are a good thing. Trust me. I've been stoic and solid as Orionus…it's unhealthy. I know you've been around longer than I but all the same. And could you do one favor for me? You sometimes seem to be the only one who can get to Vala. If you could just be a friend to her. Thanks. I miss you, Teal'c. Silence isn't the same when it's not coming from you.
Those words made a smile come to even one as Teal'c's lips.
Q's Quarters…
"So this is from your daddy, Jared," Q said to the small child in her arms. "He says:
"My son—I don't even know your name. Do you have any idea how much that tortures me? But I still love you. You don't remember me. But I still love you. You've probably grown to hate me with your mother's influence. But I still love you. And I really, really wish I could make it up to you. I love you."
The Mal Doran Household…
Vala waited to read whatever it was that Q had given her until she was alone. Why, she didn't know. But maybe it was the look in Q's eye and the soft smile on her lips when the young woman had handed it to her. And now she was about to find out what that had meant.
Vala—I'm sorry. I'm sorry a million times over. You should know that it was you that sparked my memory. In a way. I wish I could write you some beautiful and long apology but I can't. I just don't have that ability. I'm sorry and I love you.
-Daniel Jackson
Vala's eyes were brimming with tears as she re-read the letter in Q's handwriting. She blinked furiously, trying to push the salty water back but only succeeding in doing the opposite. Chocking down a sob that had been resting inside of her since Daniel's return, Vala locked the door of her room behind her, flinging herself across the bed.
"I love you too, Daniel," she whispered into the covers. "I love you too."
A/N: Yes, it's short, I'm sorry. Now, seeing as this is the last chapter before the epilogue, I believe it's time for thank yous.
Thanks to…
My Mom—as always, for allowing me to spend hours without end on the computer.
My Sisters—as always, for sitting and listening to me read to them and excitedly spoil them on upcoming events.
Anjirika—my number one loyal reviewer whose inspired quite a few events and, without her, there wouldn't be another sequel coming up.
A few other reviewers with special mentions: HAZMOT, Wings90
And all other reviewers (and readers) who've faithfully stuck with this even through my long periods of not updating. And as you all (should) know by now…
I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!