Paradox

by Anoveldebut

Set between the end of season 8 and beginning of season 9. A surprise visitor arrives at the SGC in an Ancient ship, claiming to have been sent by Daniel Jackson. General O'Neill is tasked with handling the newcomer, while SG-1 heads out for their last mission together as a team before Carter heads to Area 51, Teal'c to Dakara, and Daniel to Atlantis.

15. Chapter 15

"Colonel Carter," called Teal'c, lengthening his stride to keep pace with her as she sped down the corridor leading away from the briefing room. "Am I to understand that you will be leaving the SGC?," he asked.

Sam sighed, feeling absurdly guilty for not having told him right away, though in truth she had only known a few hours herself. "I've received orders to report to Area 51 as Head of the Stargate Research program," she confirmed. "I'm sorry, Teal'c. I should have told you as soon as I found out. This has just been such a crazy day," she rambled lamely. Teal'c smiled warmly in response.

"This is indeed good news, Colonel Carter," he replied affectionately.

"Is it?," she asked, looking at him curiously. "SG-1 has been our life for the past eight years. I can't quite imagine going to work every day and not seeing you and Daniel." Again he smiled warmly in response, tilting his head ever so slightly in silent agreement with her words.

"It will be a good opportunity for you, Colonel Carter," he replied sincerely, although she wasn't entirely sure whether he meant that from a scientific perspective, or a personal one. She felt her face warming at the possible implication of his words, although Teal'c made no further comment on the subject. Instead, he surprised her by saying "I have recently been offered a place among the free Jaffa at Dakara. I had thought to decline in order to continue my service among the Tauri," he added, pausing slightly. "However," he continued, "I now feel inclined to reconsider the offer." Sam stopped dead in her tracks, starring up at her generally silent friend. "Wow," she said at last, at a loss for words. "Indeed," he replied, smiling again. "It would appear there are a great many changes on the horizon for SG-1," he added.

"Indeed," said Sam numbly, mirroring the warrior's trademark response. They walked in silence a few moments, their pace more sedate than before. It was suddenly as if there were an unspoken need to cherish the last few days they'd have together before they parted ways for what could be forever. Sam swallowed a lump in her throat, all too aware that today's mission with SG-1 would likely be their last before the team was disbanded for good. It was a sobering thought, and she was more grateful than ever for the silent companionship of the Jaffa walking along beside her.