Teal'c walked along the corridors of the Odyssey, enjoying the peace and quiet.
It had been an eventful few days, and the strain had taken its toll on everyone. Now back through the Stargate and heading back to Earth, everyone was taking the time to relax and unwind as the trip back home would take a couple of days while the hyper-drive was damaged. Being stuck on the Odyssey was not perhaps the best place to have some time off, but it could be a lot worst. They had plenty of food and water, a fully equipped gym, a solarium, and a large database of movies to watch.
Teal'c was enjoying the solitude, with only a minimum of crew on board, there were many places on the ship where one could enjoy the quiet, and mediate without interruption. It had been several hours since they had left the alien galaxy, the trip back through the Stargate not as bad as the first trip, this time the effects on everyone were less severe, with most just suffering from some mild dizziness. After the entity had left, they had all gone about their business. He, O'Neill and Samantha Carter had shared a meal together in the mess hall, discussing over the meal the events of the day. Teal'c had then taken his leave to wander the corridors, finding a quiet spot where he could mediate for a couple of hours, before he had taken to his wanderings. Everywhere he went he checked on the crew, calmly observing them as they went about their jobs and asking them the odd question. He learnt that the crew had also been greatly worried about Daniel Jackson and Doctor Mitchell and he did his best to ease their concerns.
Walking passed the infirmary Teal'c looked in, to see Colonel Mitchell laying on the medical bed, his arm wrapped around Doctor Mitchell. Both of them deeply asleep and looking very happy. Not wanting to disturb them, Teal'c quietly backed out, a smile on his face.
Further on he saw Daniel Jackson, who was now dressed and leaning on a cane for support. "Daniel Jackson, it is good to see that you have recovered."
"Thanks. I managed to convince the doctor not to put me back in the infirmary."
Seeing Daniel leaning on the cane as he walked, Teal'c wondered if he should ask his next question. "Would it not be more prudent to use the chair on wheels, it would give you time to regain more of your strength."
"Oh, no! The only way I got out of that infirmary again was by proving that I could stand on my own two feet. This is just.... well its there just in case," said Daniel shaking his head and lifting up the cane to try and prove to Teal'c that he was okay. Doing so, he leaned one hand against the wall, trying not to look like that he was using it for support and failing.
"Indeed," said Teal'c, arching his eyebrow, showing Daniel that he did not quite believe him but going along with the lie anyway.
Putting his hand back down and leaning on the cane again, Daniel decided it was best to change the subject. "Have you seen Vala at all?"
"I have not. Was she not with you?"
"She was, but she left after she took me to the infirmary. She seemed in a hurry to get way."
"Perhaps she is in her quarters."
Daniel paused wondering if he should tell Teal'c. He had rarely talked to any of them about Vala, then again there had never been much to talk about. He had always assumed that the others had ignored the way Vala flirted, probably never giving it much thought that there was anything deeper behind it. The truth was he had never been comfortable talking about relationships to other people, not that he had really had any since Sha're had died. Still, things were different now and perhaps Teal'c knew more about what was going on with Vala, especially since they had been working together without the rest of the gang around.
Sensing that Daniel had something on his mind and that perhaps his friend needed guidance, Teal'c decided to ask, "Is there something on your mind Daniel Jackson?"
"Yes, there is." Daniel took a pause before he rushed on in, venting his frustration at the situation to Teal'c. "Vala told me she loved me and I kissed her. Which was obviously a big mistake because now she's not talking to me, instead she ran away. And I'm just a little pissed. No, I take that back, I'm a lot pissed. This is why I never thought a relationship between us would work, she plays these games and then when she gets a response, she off in the other direction. WELLl I've had it...."
"Daniel Jackson," said Teal'c, louder than he had intended, but wanting to stop Daniel in the middle of his rant, before he talked himself out of what was the best thing for him
Daniel stopped in surprise and looked at Teal'c.
"And did you tell Vala Mal Doran that you loved her also?"
"Well... no." Seeing Teal'c arch his eyebrow again, Daniel began to realize, his voice calming down and becoming quieter. "Oh... you mean. You can't mean..."
"As your friend and a friend of Vala Mal Doran, it is time for you to decide what you really want. It is obvious to everyone but you, that Vala Mal Doran loves you. Now you must ask yourself do you love her in return?"
"Yes, I do." Daniel gave a affirming nod as he said this, knowing what he needed to do. "I'm need to find her, and tell her."
Teal'c looked on, as Daniel hurried away, leaning on his cane, heading to Vala's quarters. With a small smile on his face, he turned back around, continuing on his walk along the corridors of the Odyssey.
~*~*~*~