SGA/SG-1/Teyla Emmagan/Samantha Carter/Parlor

Title: Foreign Exchange I – Diplomatic Relations
Author: ladyjax
Fandom: SGA/SG-1
Theme: Five Rooms – Parlor
Pairing: Teyla Emmagan/Samantha Carter
Length: 433 words
Rating: G
Author's Notes: Don't own.



Teyla pressed her fingertips against the window and looked out at the city spread before her. Downtown Washington, D. C. literally teemed with life, the lights from thousands of cars cutting through the night.

Another night, another dinner party. This particular reception, in honor of AR-1's first Earth visit, was being hosted by one of the members of the International Committee that was financing the Atlantis expedition. Teyla and her teammates, along with the members of SG-1, had made the rounds all evening until, finally, she slipped away to this small room for a few moments of peace and quiet.

"It's a little overwhelming, isn't it? The people, I mean."

She turned from the window to see Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter of SG-1 standing in the doorway with a tentative smile on her face.

"It is, Colonel," Teyla replied ruefully. "I am not used to being the object of curiosity for so many."

Sam walked into the room and stood beside Teyla in front of the window. "I get that a lot," she replied, "and I live here."

Teyla looked at her companion who was resplendent in her dress uniform, the military decorations gleaming dully in the low light of the room. "There are those who treat you differently?"

Sam shrugged. "I'm a scientist and a soldier. The combination tends to throw people for a loop."

"Just as there are those here who think me too young to represent my people." Teyla grinned. "I see we both confound expectations."

Sam's easy smile warmed her. "I guess you could say that."

They both fell silent, lost in their own thoughts until Teyla said, "At night, Atlantis shines like a jewel on the sea and you can see the stars." She dropped her gaze to the city below. "You can't see the stars here."

"No," Sam said. "No, you can't." She chanced a quick look at her companion, her wistful expression telling Sam more than words could ever say. "You miss it."

Teyla nodded. "The city of the Ancestors is like something out of a dream. Even with the Wraith attacks, being separated from my people, I feel as though I have found a home there."

"Well, I'll get to see for myself soon enough."

"You are returning to Atlantis with us?"

"They're finally letting me go," Sam said eagerly. "I can't wait." She nudged Teyla. "Ready to confound a few more expectations? We still have the rest of the night to get through."

Teyla reached out and clasped Sam's hand in her own. "I believe I am, Colonel. Lead on."