A/N: I know that Tara and Daniel have pretty much stolen the show so far. This is where some of the other characters will start to come into play on the big screen. Enjoy!
Chapter 8
"I think you owe me a pretty nice present." Sawyer greeted his sister at the door.
"What are you talking about?" Tara asked, handing him one of her suitcases and giving him a hug.
"For being a good matchmaker." He told her. "I don't know what happened in New York, but Dan has been showing more than polite interest in 'the health of my family'." He explained dramatically.
Tara laughed and gave her brother a light shove. "Whatever dorkus."
The conversation ended there since Mr. and Mrs. Leighton had heard their voices and come out to great their daughter.
Later, Tara wondered at the truth of her brother's teasing. She hoped that Daniel wasn't really getting too interested. It had been nice to see him in New York and in the loneliness of the moment; she had let herself become quite taken with him. But she was not looking for a relationship.
The first night was hectic at the Leighton home. Cate had returned home from Ireland married – to the shock of her upset parents. Elara didn't have much to say, but Sawyer brought his girlfriend Sadie to spend Christmas with them – meaning that he was getting serious about her and another wedding might take place soon – one that her parents would be aware of. Cate had left her Irish hubby back across the sea, busy with work.
"A bunch of people are coming to go skiing on New Years Eve." Sawyer told Tara later. He was cozed up on the couch with Sadie. The two looked cute together and Tara felt a pang of jealousy and loneliness looking at them, but she reminded herself that she was too busy for a guy in her life. Once she got of art school and on her feet with a job she would start looking.
Sam was swamped at work, and found it especially hard to concentrate with the engagement ring still in its box in her purse. She wanted to take it out and shot to the whole world that she was getting married.
Her thoughts were also drifting back to when she had been engaged before. Peter had been so caring and sweet and mature, and she really had wanted to marry him at the time. Things had changed in her life however, and she knew that the man she had always admired was still her match.
-
"Missed you." Sam affectionately slipped her arm around Jack as they walked through the park. The sun was setting and they were planning on going to a BBQ at Teal'c's after their stroll.
"Same here." Jack replied, though rather distractedly.
"Hey Sam, I've been thinking…" He took her hand and held it out in front of them so he could look at the ring.
"Yes?" She asked, a little worriedly.
"Since we're technically not really allowed to marry. What would you think of eloping? You know, just a really simple ceremony, and then we can go to the cabin."
Sam stopped walking, and took her hand away.
"I don't know what else we could do, Sam." Jack said apologetically.
Sam looked up at him and forced a smile. "No, Jack. I know. It's the only way. And I'd rather have you than a big wedding." Her smile was real now.
Jack pulled her into a kiss.
- -
"General Landry, Sir." Daniel came into the General's office, holding a clipboard and flanked by Vala, Sam and Teal'c.
"Yes, what is it, Daniel?" He swiveled his chair around to face them better.
"The Ori ship is very close to earth, and we believe it will reach our planet within a week."
"Are we prepared to start with plan B?" Landry asked. He pushed his coffee cup aside and took out a pen.
"Yes sir, but…"
"But we'd rather not have had this situation on our hands to begin with." Landry finished. "Understood. I suggest you go start to prepare for execution of the plan."
The team turned and left and the General started writing out his conversation to the president.
- - -
"I don't think this is going to work." Daniel sighed.
"But what else are we going to do?" Sam asked, continuing the weapon inventory.
"I don't know…but we've seen what the Ori can do. Our planet is considerably larger than the other planets, yes, but the element of surprise is on their side. Our people have never heard that space travel is even possible, nevermind other galaxies existing where alien races wish to take over Earth and force them to worship."
"It will take much longer to take over Earth though." Vala pointed out nonchalantly as she carelessly toyed with some of the weapons.
The other three team members turned and looked at her oddly for a brief moment.
"You've been rather quiet lately." Sam commented suspiciously.
"I almost forgot you were here." Teal'c stated.
"Yes, it was rather nice while it lasted." Daniel smirked sadly, and went back to his task.
Vala was glad that the inquiry hadn't gone any further, because she had a nasty little plan forming in her head, and they would all be bowing at her feet when it came through.
