Learning, by Random (PG)

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Teal'c

Pairing: none
Category: Teal'c, Daniel Jackson, gen, episode related, angst
Warning: none
Author on LJ: unknown
Author's Website:
Link: currently offline

Why This Must Be Read: The trust and friendship that exists between Teal'c and Daniel is one of the most fascinating aspects of the relationships of SG-1. This story is a wonderful example of that, as Daniel comes to Teal'c to try and understand how to deal with the troubling vision/dream that Shifu gave him during Absolute Power.

Random is a relatively new author with a powerful turn of phrase and a wonderful insight into how the characters of SG-1 tick, especially Daniel. This particular story is a wonderful peek at Daniel and Teal'c, at how both characters see each other and the mutual respect that they share.

So many fic tags for Absolute Power involve Jack and Daniel, and there have been many different interpretations as to what, exactly, the dream or vision meant. Random's take, as interpreted by Teal'c, is a highly intriguing one; and the twist of Daniel seeking comfort from Teal'c only adds an extra intriguing fillip to an already excellent story.

     "So you think everyone in my dream...."

     "They were parts of your self."

     Frowning, he thought about that, only it didn't seem right.  Sam had acted like Sam.  So had Jack.  But had they really?  Before he could decide, Teal'c deep voice pulled him from his thoughts.

     "Daniel Jackson, if you had a dream of being given the memories of the Harcesis child--the knowledge of all Goa'uld-- then your first act would be to kill that which might have saved you.  Or which might have saved others.  I was not in your dream, was I, Daniel Jackson."

     "No, you were, but...."

     "But not for long."  The faintest smile warmed the dark eyes that remained fixed on him.  "What do you think of when you consider me, Daniel Jackson?"

     He didn't know where this was going, but answered, pulled the first thought out, and then the next.  "Strength.  Compassion.  Honor."  He shrugged then, gave it up.  It had been Teal'c.  Teal'c whom he wanted dead.  He'd had Teal'c murdered.  He winced from the thought, wondered how could he confess such a sin?

     But Teal'c seemed calm, assured in his theory, unworried as he spoke.  "No Goa'uld would allow such things as those to exist within.  Those are the first things to be crushed.  To be eliminated."

     Frowning, Daniel started to follow the trail, knew he was being lured from feelings into the mind; that safe haven from the maelstrom of emotions.  Compassion and honor were not things he'd seen exhibited by the Goa'uld.  But the rest?

     "Even strength?" he asked.

     "Power is what a Goa'uld desires.  As you know.  And does it not take strength to resist the self-seeking quest for power?  The need to dominate others?"

     "Yes, it does.  So, you think I killed those things in...in myself?"

     "In your dream, yes.  And you would then have imprisoned Major Carter."

     Blinking now, he stared at Teal'c, shaken from his feelings, his jaw slack, and doubts crowding him.  Okay, this is strange.  And he wondered if he'd actually woken from that dream?