Rec Category: Episode related
Pairing: none
Categories: episode related, gen, character study, Teal'c, Vala, Teal'c and Vala friendship
Warnings: none
Author on LJ: sagetheory
Author's Website: p-h.org
Link: Because You Are Also a Tortoise

Why This Must Be Read: This delightful ficlet, with its light surface and multi-layered levels of complexity and depth, is very difficult to excerpt, because I want to quote the whole thing.

As Vala struggles with her psychology testing in Morpheus, Teal'c appears to offer her advice, as one alien to the other. The dance of dialogue that follows is fascinating, as Vala tries to fence verbally with Teal'c and discovers that for all his brevity, he always, always manages to get the last word.

Marvelous characterization, thoughtful observations, and appreciation for both Vala and Teal'c: Because You Are Also a Tortoise is an excellent character sketch that you're sure to enjoy.


"What can I do for you?"

"It is I who have come to do you a favor," Teal'c answers.

"Oh really?" Vala asks, and she can smell another test a mile away. She should've known they would never have just handed out their trust so easily. "And what is this favor going to cost me?"

"I wish nothing in exchange," Teal'c assures her.

"Then what's the purpose of doing me a favor if you're not going to get anything out of it?"

"Would it make you more comfortable if I had such a reason?"

"Maybe. It would make more sense."