PROLOGUE:
Tena watched intently as she hid in the nearby bushes. She could see the strange people emerge from the Chappa'ai and wondered who they were and why they had arrived so suddenly. As she watched them travel close to her village, she noticed that their were screams in the air and black smoke billowing upward.
She ran towards her village not worried about the strangers anymore but could hear the screams in her head. It was her friends and the children of her village that she heard. It was the screams of total fear.
Captain Davis and his team SG3 were on a simple reconnaissance mission to PX-4090. There was keen interest on the planet for relocating inhabitants that had lost their homes to the Ori or devastated by natural disasters. Vala had joined his team temporarily, being bored at SGC while SG1 was down with a breakout of the flu. Vala was the only one not affected. Coming thru the Stargate, Capt Davis and his team had spanned out to investigate what was supposedly a friendly civilization.
Vala heard the screams first and motioned Captain Davis towards the sounds of screaming.
"Miller two teams, follow Vala. Look for any hostilities along the way. Keep it tight people and watch your back."
Captain Davis's team was just as seasoned as SG1 and knew anything could happen in the most unexpected way. Many at times SG1 and SG3 had worked side by side, saving each other or on missions side by side. Vala was not new to their team. Sometimes they would trade off with SG1 when a member was down or injured.
Vala was tearing thru the bushes with awkward speed. She knew the sound of terror and screaming in her life and had seen more share than she cared to witness. As SG3 converged on the village, they were met with hostile men holding weapons to stop them from entering their stronghold.
Tena could hear the screams become louder as she ran closer to her village. She stopped and held her head. She smelled something burning while her head swam with pain emitting from what she could see was the learning cubicle. She looked up and could see the strangers being stopped by Duaada and his men from entering.
Duaada pressed his men to surround SG3 and Vala. "Stop and lay down your weapons. You are under arrest for attacking our people."
Captain Davis spoke first holding Vala back from her obvious distress to help. "Look, we come in peace, we didn't attack your people and we came to help. We can discuss this later, but it sounds like there are children in there."
Duaada's men looked for him for guidance, even though they knew some of their own children may be in danger."
"We need no help from outsiders. Put down your weapons are we will be forced to take them from you." Duaada motioned his men closer.
Vala could hear the screams and couldn't take it any more. Pushing forward against Davis wish. "Here, take my weapon, but I refuse to sit by and let innocent children die. Shoot me then and be done with it." Vala threw down her weapon and vest and ran towards the building. Duaada, SG3 all stared at each other, waiting for the next move.
Tena had arrived at the cubicle the same time as Vala. They both stopped in their track knowing that they needed to save the children. Vala had not other choice. She ran into the building determined to save as many as she could. The heat from the flames were synging her hair a bit, but she pushed on, knowing the ceiling was on fire and could come crashing down on her any moment. She followed the screams and found a door closed and locked. She burned her hand trying to open it, but to no avail it would not budge. With a unspeakable force she kicked the door in and found several children huddled against the wall, screaming as she entered.
With a quickness Vala grabbed the first child she came to. "I'm here to help, I'll get you out safe; follow me out."
The children hesitated to move with the stranger, but they didn't want to burn. They soon followed given no choice from the fire's intense heat. Vala could barely see, and the smoke in the doorway almost obliterated the girl that she briefly met outside. She was motioning the children forward while holding up one hand. The children moved quickly thru the almost blinding smoke and fire, while Vala was bringing up the rear.
Vala could hear the building creak and the fire explode outward in flames. She knew she didn't have time to waste. Her eyes were burning and she could barely see getting out. Suddenly a beam came down and Vala thru the child thru the doorway, away from the fire. Vala was trapped she saw no other way out.
"Unscheduled activation Sir. It's SG3, they're returning ahead of schedule." Stated Walter.
"Something must be wrong. There was no communication that they were returning Walter?" Asked Landry.
"No Sir, the wormhole just dialed up and it's their security code Sir."
Landry thought this action to be suspicious, since Captain Davis knows procedures of dialing in first to contact the base before returning.
"Walter send some Airmen down to the gate. Make sure it's secure once SG3 returns thru the gate."
"Yes Sir." As Walter followed orders, Daniel, Cam, Sam and Teal'c had just been released from the infirmary. They heard the unscheduled activation and decided to head towards the booth.
Sam sat at the console, while Mitchell was trying to find answers. "What's going on General?"
"SG3 is returning early son. They are not due to check in until tomorrow. I think something's up."
Daniel moved closer to the window. "Wasn't Vala with them?"
"Yes, but until we find out what's going on, I'm having some Airmen on alert."
"PX-4090 is a peaceful community. I hope Vala didn't get into trouble there." Surmised Daniel.
Vala if you've done anything stupid. You're going to regret it. Daniel thought.
Everyone in the booth and below turned their attention to SG3 walking thru the shimmering blue puddle. Captain Davis and his team came thru. However it was noticeable by SG1 and Daniel that Vala was not with them.
The iris closed with whoosh and Captain Davis and his team had a solemn look on their faces. They looked at if they were aggravated.
"Have the Airman stand down Walter." Landry turned to SG1. "SG1 meet me in the briefing room with SG3."
Daniel stood transfixed for a few moments, wondering where Vala was. Teal'c pulled him out of his thoughts.
"Daniel Jackson. I believe we must join SG3 along with General Landry."
"Huh….oh yeah, coming." Vala what have you done?
As SG1 sat at the briefing table. Captain Davis seemed distressed, knowing that SG1 wanted to know where their friend and comrade was.
How can I tell them what happened? How could I leave her like that?
"Captain Davis, what happened and why have you returned early without Vala?"
TBC
A/N: This was another story that rattled around my head for years and thought it was time to come out. As usual reviews and comments are welcomed.