Horoscopes: Lucky Stars - Taurus, by Thel (PG)
Rec Category: Teal'c
Pairing: None
Category: Teal'c, Character Study, Team, Drama, Angst, Gen; other parts of fic include Humor, Smarm
Warning: some whumpage
Author on LJ: unknown
Author's Website: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/278892/
Story Link: Taurus
Why This Must Be Read: Thel's stories are mostly Daniel-centric, but this one showcases Teal'c. Horoscopes is a series of twelve short fics, loosely connected by references to the Zodiac; this is one of the only serious ones, and while I quite enjoy the fluffier chapters, this one is definitely my favorite.
When the natives are affronted by Teal'c's presence and the lives of SG-1 and SG-9 are put at risk, Teal'c must force their leader to "answer as a man," as he so poignantly challenges, in order to stop the "purification" of his teammates. It is no small irony for the reader to see Teal'c trying to make others acknowledge, as he himself has done, that blindly following dictates is no excuse for one's actions.
While this is the Teal'c category, and I would have chosen this particular chapter to rec in any case, I would be remiss in not strongly recommending the rest of the chapters of this fic. Thel's humor is light, but tightly in character - and why miss Daniel translating Asgard dirty limericks, or Teal'c telling Sam about the little noisemaker in Jaffa boots that make that telltale "crunch crunch" noise when they march?
"If I submit, will you allow them to go free?" Teal'c put his hands behind his back and raised his head.
Ogwyn narrowed his eyes. "For what purpose? To rally and attack?"
"Look at them." Teal'c's voice dropped to a whisper. "They will not harm you. Allow them to go free, and I will submit to whatever punishment you desire."
"This is not punishment." Ogwyn's head tilted forward. "This is absolution."
"It is death, no matter how you disguise it."
"It is our way."
"Your way is wrong." Teal'c's voice was firm. "You are killing those who wish only to help you."
Ogwyn nodded slowly. "It is our way."
"Do not do this." Teal'c's voice resonated with subdued distress.
"Will you offer yourself for them?"
Teal'c turned slowly, watching Daniel take shallow, hitching breaths over to O'Neill and Carter slumped on the ground to SG9 beyond them, bloody and bruised.
"I shall." He spoke clearly, regally. "If you give me your word that they shall be returned to their people without further harm."
"It is our-"
"Your words have no meaning." Teal'c interrupted, drawing himself up. "You repeat like a child. Your way is slavery to false gods and corrupt ideals. I offer myself as a man, for the safety of my friends. Accept or decline as a man, not as a tool of false gods."