Okay, so I don't usually post unfinished works on here but I've been working on this for a while and I'm stuck. I've got a prologue and 7 chapters finished and I'll be posting them all within the next few days. I guess I'm hoping to get some inspiration so comments are VERY welcome.

Disclaimer: I don't own any part of the Stargate franchise, more's the pity.

Spoiler Warings: Some for Season 10 Episode 18 Family Ties.

Prologue

Hank Landry stared at the young woman seated across from him in his office. She hadn't said a word, nor had she moved an inch in the last five minutes. And, considering this was Vala Mal Doran, the lack of action disturbed him greatly. He'd expected some sort of reaction to the news he'd just delivered. Maybe not an emotional outburst or a crying jag, but something. Not this emotionless mask she'd donned. He knew she'd had some issues with her father but, dammit, he'd just told her the man was dead! And she just sat there as if he'd told her nothing more consequential than that he expected rain today. This couldn't be healthy. He knew he should call Dr. Hutchinson or Carolyn to come take a look at her but, unfortunately, he had something else to tell her and it couldn't wait. Hank sighed and paused to gather his thoughts.

Eleven hours ago the SGC had received word that Jacek Mal Doran had been killed by the Lucian Alliance in a deal gone bad. He'd sent SG-3 out to confirm the information and they had. The problem was, they'd come back with even more troubling news and Hank had to figure out the best way to let Vala know about the...things Jacek had left behind. He knew he had to be careful with his next words. As strong as Vala appeared, Hank knew she could be extremely vulnerable, especially where her father was concerned. There were times when she reminded him of his own daughter. Independent, self-confident, yet always seeking the approval of the ones she cared about most. In the three years since she'd joined Stargate Command, he'd watched her grow, saw as the hardened shell she wore as armour finally cracked to reveal the kind, loving woman beneath. He didn't want to see all of her hard work crumble in one afternoon and this could break her. With another sigh, Landry decided to jump in with the truth.

"Vala." he said gently and her eyes snapped to meet his at the use of her first name. "There's something else you need to know. Jacek left you some...things. Things that need to be taken care of."

"So?" Vala finally spoke, albeit in a voice completely devoid of emotion. "Just take them to Area 51. I'm sure they're rigged to blow up or something, knowing Jacek. I want nothing from that man."

"Unfortunately, it's not quite that simple." he said as she stood to leave. He motioned her back to her seat and waited for her to take it before he continued. "These things are not what one would call personal effects. Not so easily gotten rid of."

"Well, what are they? If I must be burdened with something of Jacek's, I'd at least like to know what I'm getting into. That way I can unload it as quickly as possible and get on with my life."

"As I said, it's not that simple. These things...Well, they're not exactly things. They're people." Hank watched as the first signs of emotion flitted across Vala's grey eyes. But it was gone too quickly for him to properly analyse so he continued. "When I sent SG-3 to check out the information, they found two young girls living in the house owned by Jacek. The villagers told them that the girls are his daughters. SG-3 brought them back here and I had Carolyn run a DNA test. Vala, they're your sisters."

Landry sat forward at his desk and waited for her reaction. It wasn't much, but he saw a single tear streak down her face. He only hoped this was a good thing.

All comments are welcome.