One year later.
Teal'c walked serenely down the corridor of the SGC, ignoring the gruesome decorations which adorned the walls—spiders the size of frying pans, skeletons jiggling in each passing air current, fluttery ghosts suspended from the ceiling. This year he was not taken unawares by the bizarre celebration which all the Tau'ri seemed to relish on the last day of October.
He barely blinked at the grotesque sight of the hunchback in blood-soaked clothing, moaning and hitching towards him from the opposite direction.
"Good morning, Colonel Reynolds," he greeted the horrible figure with dignity.
"Gooood mooornnning, Teeeel'c," groaned the pathetic creature.
Dracula exited the elevator a little further along, huge vampire fangs curled down over his chin, glittering with rhinestones. "Does Jaffa blood taste as good as human?" the vampire exclaimed in a voice that was a passable imitation of Vincent Price.
"Indeed, Lieutenant Simmons, I do not suggest that you try and find out," Teal'c replied calmly.
Dracula's maniacal laugh followed Teal'c as he continued down the hall.
Two zombies turned a corner up ahead and staggered in his direction. Teal'c bowed slightly in greeting. "Sergeant Harriman. Dr. Lee. I trust that tomorrow will see great improvements in your condition."
He received inarticulate grunts in reply.
As he entered the infirmary he was greeted with a happy cry. "Hi, Teal'c!" And a lovely young princess twirled before him, showing off her costume. "What do you think, Teal'c? Mom actually made it for me!"
Teal'c's face was split by the wide grin he reserved for only his very favorite people. "It is beautiful, CassandraFraiser. And so are you."
Cassie hugged him enthusiastically. "Jack is taking me for Trick or Treat. It is an Earth tradition, where people give children candy on this day they call Halloween. Isn't that strange? Will you come with us?"
"I would be honored, PrincessCassandra. That is why I have worn my Jaffa doublet and collar. I believe I shall fit right in."
"Yep. You're all set, T." O'Neil's voice came from the next room, followed an instant later by the man himself, dressed as Robin Hood. "You won't even have to wear a hat tonight!" He turned to Cassie. "Go tell your mom we're leaving..."
"Wait! Wait!" Janet appeared just then, camera in hand. "Stand over there so I can get a picture!"
The three of them obeyed. Jack and Cassie posed and preened for several snapshots, while Teal's stood stoic and above it all. Janet smiled hugely as she hugged Cassie and then handed her the goodie bag, decorated with sequins and spangles.
She turned to Jack and Teal'c as her daughter danced away down the hall. "Thanks, guys," she said softly, swallowing a lump in her throat—she'd been so looking forward to going with them, but she was stuck here on an emergency. She handed Jack her camera. "Take some more pictures for me."
"Come on!" Cassie cried, turning back to grab Teal'c's hand and drag him along towards the elevator.
"Lots of pictures," Jack assured Janet softly, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze.