Chapter Seven

A very nice notesomeone posted about the lack of action and dialog in this story made me realize that I should have put a disclaimer at the start of Chapter One. "Alien Nation" has worked out to be more of a compilation of character back stories than an actual story. There will be a resolution to Vala and Daniel's tortured scene from the first chapter but it won't exactly be action packed. Sorry to those readers who have been disappointed.

Vala was watching the clock closely as she went over the time line for Day One of Alien Nation. The most critical aspect of her plan was perfect timing. Everything hinged on timing; it was one of the most important details of a complicated long-term swindle. In every part of life timing was always everything.

The only thing more important is that you believe, with all your heart, what ever it is that you need your victim to believe. The mark will see through you if you have any doubts or hesitation. You had to be able to move beyond lying to a state of emotional Neverland. It was no surprise that Vala had become one of J. M. Barrie's most ardent fans. She hadn't decided yet if she was Peter Pan or Tinker Bell. Captain Hook seemed too obvious but more than anything she knew there was no possible way that was she Wendy!

All too soon Vala was standing outside of the Asgard Library and focusing on what she needed Daniel to believe. Vala had written a script and then thrown it away. That was part of her method, a diametric way to plan spontaneity.

Vala opened the door and stuck her head in. She took a moment to look at Daniel, to wallow in how much she loved him, how beautiful he was and other maudlin sentiments. In the past she would have considered such thoughts a sign of weakness or even insanity. But she, more than anyone, was keenly aware that "shit happens". No one can control everything or actually anything in their life.

With the widest grin she could conjure up slapped across her face Vala called to him "Hello Daniel."

He picked up his head and, looking somewhat disoriented, replied "Vala. I wanted to apologize to you …"

Vala cut him off in mid-sentence "I am more than happy to accept what I am sure is your heartfelt apology. Yes, I admit that I was upset last night but it was only because you were yelling at me for such a long time and with such anger. So I just left your room and assumed that we would work it our today."

"Later I thought about why you were so angry. I couldn't think of anything that I could have done. I had to conclude that you were angry at the universe because of what had happened to the Asgard."Vala continued "I don't think that it was entirely fair for you to take it out on me. Though of course you know that you should feel free to take anything out on me that you want!

Her explanation appealed to Daniel and for that moment he was able to convince himself that Vala was right. Before he could say anything Vala asked him a question.

"Daniel, can I convince you to come with me and get something to eat?" She had worked out her timing. He had just finished his mid-morning coffee and wouldn't even consider stopping work to eat for at least three hours.

Vala waited smiling, clenching her jaw and muscles, in order to hold the carefree smile. She barely waited for him to refuse before waving and saying "Maybe another time. I don't want to interfere with your work darling!"

She turned, closing the door as her smile changed to a grimace of pain. Tonight she was going to practice a smile that would be easier to sustain. It might mean an evening in front of a mirror but it could be worse. She certainly was experienced with mirrors.

Daniel had been pleased to see Vala and happy that there was no fallout from their quarrel. He had been dreading tears, pouting, and all manner of emotional drama. But now Daniel couldn't have explained why her casual manner didn't please him as much as he would have expected. He felt that he should have been more relieved.

Daniel knew that it hadn't actually been a quarrel but an attack on her by him. For now he would, as usual, take the path of least resistance and accept her interpretation of their altercation.

Back in her room Vala cried but she felt happy. She had accomplished her goal. Daniel could rest easy and never have to realize how much he had hurt her. In her own small way she would be able to protect him. The rest of her visits could never be as painful as that first one.

Now she only had to trust Sam to get them off this cold and sterile flying metal box. Vala was sure a breakthrough would happen soon. She knew that she could only play this role for one or two more weeks. She was a good actress but even she had her limits. Once back on Earth she would be able to expend all her energy on extricating herself from SG-1.