Friends Indeed, or Dominion Redux

by kehwie

The IOA doesn't trust Vala, and she's been down this road before-if only in her mind. She figures she knows exactly how things will play out. But this time it's real, and her team doesn't stand idly by. She learns the truth of the Tau'ri expression: "A friend in need is a friend indeed." Some D/V ship, but lots of teamy goodness as well.

1. Prologue

A/N: This my first multi-chapter story with any sort of plot, so I'm definitely interested in feedback. Also, I haven't seen any of Stargate Universe, so if anything here completely contradicts that I apologize. Feel free to label this AU if you need to. As always, a million thank yous to the incredible AerynB. She is the best beta in all of the known galaxies, and she went above and beyond the call of duty for this one. Much love and many hugs to you, sweetie!

Spoilers for the episode "Dominion," obviously. Also minor spoilers for Big Finish Audio's "Half Life" trilogy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate SG-1 or its characters. I make no profit from this story.

Prologue

She crept through the hallways as quietly as she could. She knew she would only get one shot at this, and she needed that one shot to work. She inched forward a bit more...then felt a hand clamp down on her arm. She swore silently to herself.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Daniel hissed in her ear.

Vala lifted her chin proudly. "What does it look like?"

He sighed. "It looks like you're running away. But I'm hoping that's not it."

She glared at him. "I don't have a whole lot of options left, Daniel! The IOA has already confined me to the base. How long before it's a cell? It's just like that implanted memory; they don't trust me!"

"Look, I know they're being assholes about this whole thing, but we'll get through it. We're gonna find out who the real mole is. And it's nothing like your implanted memory."

"Oh? And why's that?" Vala huffed.

"Because in the memory, we all went along with it," Daniel said simply. "We aren't doing that, I promise you. We're all on your side, and we're working our asses off to figure this thing out. Just trust us, okay?"

A small smile flickered across her face. "Well, at least you said trust us rather than trust me. Much more convincing argument, darling."

"Yeah, I figured it might be," Daniel returned dryly. He tugged her arm gently. "C'mon, I'll walk you back to your quarters. I promise we're gonna solve this thing; just give us time, okay?"

"I'll try," she murmured, knowing that if push came to shove—if the IOA started talking holding cells or Area 51—she would take matters into her own hands just as she'd always done. For now, though, she'd give her teammates a chance. Maybe they really would come through.