MISSING SCENE for Crossroads
I watch the Tok'ra pass through the Stargate carrying something on a stretcher, and my heart sinks to my stomach as I realize what is underneath the sheet. Oh, God! Following Teal'c into the Gateroom, my suspicions are confirmed with Freya's words.
"Teal'c, it is with great sadness that I return..."
I glance at his face, gauging his reaction. Several emotions flit rapidly across his normally stoic features and I know he knows. The happiness that was evident only minutes before is completed erased.
"Shan'auc," he murmurs.
Freya continues, "We found the body just outside her chamber. The symbiote she carried is also dead. If we had found a more mature larvae..."
"She appeared well!" Teal'c interrupts in a desperate voice.
"Shan'auc's death is simply the unfortunate result of waiting too long."
Teal'c gently folds back the sheet to reveal Shan'auc's face and he caresses it tenderly. Jack, Sam and I watch helplessly as he mourns the loss of Shan'auc for the second and very final time. He's whispering something. What is it? Embarrassed to be an uninvited guest at this personal interlude, and yet fascinated by a side of Teal'c so rarely seen, I listen.
"Tel Mat. Pal tiem shree. Tal Ma"
My heart breaks, and my voice almost follows suit as I translate for Jack and Sam, "Our love does not end in death."
I quickly look at my feet to hide the emotion and tears I know appear in my eyes and instantly, my mind transports me back to that tent on P8X-872. Sha're and I sharing our last moments together, with Teal'c as a witness. I remember feeling my heart being replaced by a cold, dark, empty void that I thought could never be filled. Yes, this is familiar territory. At least I had the chance to say good bye.
Just as the void in my life has slowly gained light and has begun to be filled by my friends, I know Jack, Sam and I will do the same for Teal'c. I intend to reinforce to him that my earlier offer to talk is an open-ended invitation. I hope he takes me up on it.
© July 29, 2000 The characters mentioned in this story are the property of Showtime and Gekko Film Corp. The Stargate, SG-I, the Goa'uld and all other characters who have appeared in the series STARGATE SG-1 together with the names, titles and backstory are the sole copyright property of MGM-UA Worldwide Television, Gekko Film Corp, Glassner/Wright Double Secret Productions and Stargate SG-I Prod. Ltd. Partnership. This fanfic is not intended as an infringement upon those rights and solely meant for entertainment. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the author.
Author's Note: This is my very first attempt and it was written with a trembling hand. Please help me out with honest (but nice, I'm fragile) feedback!.