Ghost Hunter

Spacegypsy1

While SG-1 is on a mission, one of their own is killed. And Daniel is seeing the ghost everywhere. D/V. Team. Entwined with angst and humor. Warning, main character 'death'...sort of...

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Chapter One:

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As usual, nothing was going right. The earlier scuffle had ended with the despots hitting the DHD, shooting out some kind of bolt and taking off in their less than perfect transports. That had been hours ago.

"Ok, Jackson, you head straight towards wonderland." Mitchell hiked up his P-90, pointing forward towards the ruins. "I'll go left, Teal'c right, Carter you keep working on the DHD, Vala you watch her back."

Daniel checked his holster, pulled the safety off his handgun, lifted the P-90 more comfortably and closed in on the tree line. He turned back for a look, seeing the Stargate gleaming on the horizon. That's when he saw the ship swoop down, firing, and speeding off.

Knowing there was no way they could hear him, Daniel yelled out anyway, "Vala! Sam!" and took off running, his heart pounded in his chest, legs pumping.

The closer he got the more he worried. Sam was kneeling over Vala. He could see Mitchell and Teal'c, much closer then he was, closing in.

Oh, God, please. Let them be okay. Daniel let go of his thoughts, focused only on reaching the Stargate. His lungs burned. The muscles of his legs screamed in pain but he only pushed himself harder.

Sam's voice came over the radio. "Hurry, Daniel. Hurry. She's not breathing!"

"Jackson!" Mitchell's voice, sounding panicked, erupted from the radio. "We're here, Carter's on the DHD. Watch for incoming, we've got you covered."

Feeling the sting in his eyes as well as the ache in his lungs, Daniel forced himself to run faster. They were drawing closer by the moment, zooming towards him like a freight train. He found himself near to plowing into them, falling to his knees beside Vala, shoving Mitchell aside. The jar of dropping his knees to the ground sent a shock throughout his body.

"Vala!" Scooping her limp body into his arms, Daniel gathered her to his chest, his hand completely wrapping her head, holding it against his bursting heart. "Vala." He whispered, taking a moment to investigate and finding no visible wounds. He rocked back and forth on his knees, tears blurring his vision. "What hit her?

Sam frantically rotated crystals in the DHD that they assumed had been the target. Without stopping she called out. "It was like Zat fire, only bigger and it came from the ship!"

This can't be happening. Only this morning Vala had squealed with delight at the stack of magazines topped off with Godiva chocolates and accompanied by a Mochacino, he'd bought for her on his way in. Just this morning she'd been so happy with the treats she'd kissed him, softly on the lips. Smelling sweetly. Breathing. Just this morning he'd kissed her back – for the first time.

"Hurry, Sam." He begged.

"She was hit twice." Was all Sam said then she ignored him. Ignored the fear, the terror of losing a beloved team member - losing another best friend. Instead she concentrated only on the DHD. Finally, she jumped up, hands shooting out, and dialed in lightening speed.

Vala's body draped over his arms like some piece of thin wet cloth as Daniel lifted her. He brought her upwards, closer to his chest, to cradle her more comfortably. His eyes were on Mitchell's waiting for the signal to rush her through. His throat seemed to house his much too large heart. He wanted to scream. To rant. To beg. But at no time in any part of his past had that ever helped.

The Kawoosh settled then the Stargate suddenly shut down before Mitchell could manipulate the GDO.

The now distinct whine of the enemy ship came again. Mitchell took a burning, staff-like blast, to his shoulder. An energy bolt hit Teal'c hard, sending him sprawling back, halfway through the circle of the Stargate.

"Carter!" Cam yelled as he dropped to the ground.

"I'm on it! Daniel, get Teal'c back away, I'm going to try again." Sam took quick glance at the sky, but their attackers had once again disappeared.

Unconsciously, Daniel kissed Vala's temple. Then, with conscious thought, he brushed her slack lips, before looking across to Mitchell who leaned against the other side of the DHD. There was a look in Mitchell's eyes Daniel did not want to read. Laying Vala gently on the ground, Daniel made for Teal'c, pulling him to safety.

Teal'c groaned as Daniel helped him up. "It appears their weaponry is similar to the Zat'nek'tal." The Jaffa looked pale and barely able to stand. "Only stronger."

Again, they came out of nowhere, making another attempt - firing! As Sam once again hit the symbols, the puddle settled and stayed. Cam dialed in again, then thumbed his radio, yelling, "we're comin' in hot!"

Daniel made a mad dash for Vala hearing the dreaded weapon building up to fire again. The third shot sent electric bolts dancing across her body, until it totally disappeared. He slowed, shocked, screaming, "NO!!" Then moved to stare unbelievingly at the still smoking spot where Vala had been.

Teal'c laid an unsteady hand on his shoulder. "DanielJackson, we must go. There is nothing more we can do."

Daniel jerked free, his eyes never leaving the charred area where she had lain.

"DanielJackson, I cannot assist ColonelMitchell. You must help him! They will return to finish what they started!" Teal'c had taken a somewhat firm hold on Sam, who seemed unable to move. "ColonelCarter, we must go." Taking slow steps, Teal'c tugged Sam along through the puddle.

A dazed Daniel got Mitchell up and stumbled towards the Stargate. He couldn't think. He didn't really want to move, but he needed to get Mitchell to safety. Vala was dead. Completely and irrevocably gone.

TBC~