Title: Stories from the Table: Teal'c's Quarters

Author: Kiva

Date: 4th April '03

Feedback: kiva31@yahoo.com

Rating; G

Pairing: None

Category: Friendship fic, little bit of sap and smarm.

Status: Finished

Season/Spoilers: Set in Season 7, and concerning Daniel's return....mostly references the Table fics that have come before, and the outcome of Meridian.

Archive: Anywhere the table fics are going, like Majel's site and so on.

Synopsis: Welcome home Daniel! A team celebration...and the table finally visits Jaffa Master Teal'c's quarters.

Notes: Written with the aide of Babs' plot bunny (thank you, Babs, and here it is :-) ) I apologise for it's length, but I'm about to embark on a fic endeavour in a different fandom, and wanted to make sure it got done before I lost track. If anyone wants to expand upon/ or re-write this, go ahead :-) Thanks to all the wonderful people on this list...you've all encouraged me to write, so this is for you :-)

Also, I wasn't aware of the name being used by the table for Teal'c, so I just put one in.

Not Beta'd, due to time constraints. All mistakes my own, including any UK spelling that may have crept in.

Warnings: None.

Disclaimer; The characters of Stargate SG1 are not mine, nor do I lay any claims on them. This is for entertainment purposes only.

I am a table. I am a rectangular four-foot wide by eight-foot long, golden oak table with lots of grain, a leg on each corner, and a polyurethane sealant. This is important, because though it removes me from the level of `fine' furniture, it adds to my versatility and my longevity. I was purchased in the early 90's by the U.S. Air Force Quartermaster in a spasm of upgrades for the offices of NORAD. After I was delivered I was reassigned to a priority slot in a new command under the mountain cryptically referred to as SGC. I can seat eight formally, ten comfortably, and twelve friendly. Because I was purchased without chairs, I knew that my life would be one of utilitarianism not formal dining. In other words, I'll see a lot of service of all kinds.

I am now in Jaffa Master Teal'c's quarters. He is hosting a 'Welcome Back To Earth' party. I have never before heard of such a party, but the guest list seems to be very exclusive. Unlike Tall Lady Sam's birthday celebrations, there are only four mobiles present. Tall Military Jack, Tall Lady Sam, Jaffa Master Teal'c and Tall Civilian Daniel. Through observing the mobiles pattern of speech, I have deduced that this gathering is in aide of the latter mobile.

Although I am aware that there was...an absence... of his presence, I was not aware that he had left Earth...whatever Earth may be. I *am* aware that in his absence, the mobiles surrounding me were...different. They looked and sounded the same, even acted similarly...and yet they were not. They lacked something. I believe an effort to replace that which was lacking, was made, but was deemed unsuccessful. All that I am *sure* of, is that I am...glad...that Tall Daniel has returned. Although I am a table, with no mobile emotions...I believe I missed him.

Jaffa Master Teal'c has spent many hours in his quarters of late, arranging his possessions, and cooking. I know that he is cooking, as I remember the actions, and aromas, from my duty served in the Commissary - though the ones created *here* were not as offensive. One such attempt, however, succeeded in setting off a very loud alarm, bringing many rushing mobiles to the room. I am not sure why, but Commanding General also appeared, and seemed to have a very serious conversation with Master Teal'c. Jaffa Master Teal'c then disappeared for several more hours - such a novel way these mobiles have of judging the passage of time - before returning, laden with many dishes. Following him, Tall Lady Sam entered, also carrying several objects. They were all placed on my top. Some were hot, some were cold...some heavy and some light. Master Teal'c thanked Lady Sam, and the Tall Lady left, promising to return at a set hour.

Master Teal'c then began moving even more, placing yet more things on my top. He used something to create a great flame, and as he lit what I believe to be candles, I could feel the heat of it, very close to my surface. But I did not fear...for I knew Jaffa Master Teal'c would not harm me intentionally.

Now the four mobiles sometimes collectively known as SG1, are seated around me. Tall Daniel is at my foot, with Jack and Lady Sam on either side of him. I do not know what foods have been placed on my top, only that the Mobiles seem to appreciate them; Tall Military Jack has been chastised more than once for attempting to sample them before he was allowed.

As I stand here, I can feel the restless movements of the solids...I believe that this particular movement, can be put down to what the mobiles refer to as 'excitement.' Since Tall Civilian Daniel reappeared, I have noticed many mobiles acting in this manner, but especially the ones seated at me.

"C'mon, Teal'c, I'm dyin' of starvation, here."

Master Teal'c looks to Tall Jack, his eyes surveying his frame. "I very much doubt that to be true, O'Neill," he says, his deep voice rumbling through me.

I can hear Tall Lady Sam, and Tall Civilian Daniel, producing a sound I know to be 'laughter.' This noise has been absent of late, and I feel glad that it has returned.

Master Teal'c comes to stand at my head, placing down one last dish. The majority are covered in clothes, the material trailing along my surface.

"We have gathered," he starts, "to celebrate the return of Daniel Jackson. Although we were aware that his...ascension...to the higher planes, was one of choice...we still mourned him."

I feel Tall Daniel's movements increase. I believe he is...squirming.

"But let us now celebrate his presence...for the last year has taught us but one thing."

"Yeah," Tall Jack whispers to Tall Lady Sam. "Always eat before a Jaffa celebration."

Master Teal'c glares at Tall Jack, who raises his hands as if to shield himself. But Lady Sam and Tall Daniel are producing more sounds of amusement, so Master Teal'c returns to his speech.

"That we should always let those close to us...know that they are truly valued."

Tall Civilian Daniel has stopped moving now, his body completely still. I am not an expert in such things, but I believe him to be embarrassed.

"It's true, Daniel," Lady Sam puts in. "Before you ascended, I think we'd all drifted apart. When you...left...it made us open our eyes. We missed you so much, Daniel...and we're really glad you're back." Her voice is thick and unsteady, as she leans towards him, wrapping her mobile arms around his frame in a 'hug.' He returns the gesture, and I hear that the two of them are not laughing...they are making strange sniffing noises, instead.

Lady Sam pulls back, smiling shakily, her eyes shining in the low candlelight. She looks over at Tall Jack, raising one eyebrow.

He clears his throat, fixing his gaze on my top. "Yeah...what they said," he says gruffly. I do not think his words were meant for me, however.

Lady Sam makes an impatient noise, as Master Teal'c glares once more.

"Oh for cryin' out loud," Jack bursts out. "I missed you too, okay? Quinn tried his best, as did all the other guys we tried out...but they weren't you."

The expressions on Teal'c and Lady Sam's faces, have not changed, as if waiting for something more.

"Fine, fine! It wasn't just your job I missed you in...it was my life. You're family now, Daniel, and I missed having you around. C'm'ere."

As he finishes speaking, he leans forward as well, embracing Tall Daniel. They hold each other for moments, before slowly letting go, each smiling widely at the other.

It takes Tall Daniel a few attempts to speak. "Wow, I er...I missed you guys, too. Being an ascended was...incredible. But...I missed you all. They don't measure time the same way we do, but I thought about you all, everyday. Didn't matter what I was doing, or where I was. You were always there in my mind. I guess what I'm trying to say, is...I'm really happy to be home."

All of the mobiles are smiling, even Master Teal'c, a mobile I have observed that does not make this facial gesture often. I believe if I had the capability, I would do the same...for even a table such as myself, can not help but be affected by the feeling of joy permeating the room.

Just then, the silence is broken by a strange gurgling sound, causing the mobiles to all laugh.

"I think we'd better feed Jack, Teal'c...you know how noisy his empty stomach can get." Tall Civilian Daniel's voice, is brighter than I can ever recall hearing before.

"Ha, ha," Jack says, his tone sarcastic, but his brown eyes amused.

"Very well, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c says, drawing off the dish coverings. There are sounds of surprise, of appreciation. There is banter and laughter. There is also much said without words, as the evening continues.

I am a table. I have seen many things...but none such as a small group of mobiles, welcoming back that which was lost.

The End.