The next week both flew by and dragged on for Daniel. He really didn't mind being stuck off world with Vala and Shifu. He'd lived on Abydos happily, and he felt certain he could be happy anywhere as long as he had his family. He quickly respected the people of the village. They were good people, and, as far as Daniel could tell, there were none who weren't fully on board with the plan to flea the Lucian Alliance. They were unified and they looked out for one another. Honestly, he felt as at home here as he'd felt on Abydos.

If there wasn't a threat, Daniel was not sure he'd be very anxious to go back to Earth. His days were long and exhausting. The men worked together to clear each field before moving on to the next one, so they could strategize their next move. The women worked to gain as much intel as possible in the village. In the evenings, small groups would gather and share all they'd managed to learn then later in the night he had Vala and Shifu. Shifu was a good baby who seemed content with his new family, and Vala, well, being with her was nothing like his early days with Shar'e. Vala was a woman who knew herself well and she was passionate. He absolutely loved the change in their relationship. There was no insecurity, no fear, just love. He thought it was probably a little disturbing that they were in serious mortal danger yet he'd never been happier in his life.

The had been on Manuset 9 days when the dangerous reality of their situation became more than just a threat to the village and a very serious threat to them personally. Vala was very quiet during the evening meeting. Daniel knew something must have happened, but he waited until the group had left before asking her any questions. "Want to tell me what's bothering you?" he asked after Shift was sound asleep in his crib.

"We went to visit one of the women who's husband was executed today," Vala replied softly.

"I'm sure that was hard."

"They shot her husband in the town square. He wasn't one of the town elders. He wasn't anyone even remotely important. They weren't even trying to make an example of him, Daniel. Seba saw her in the village and he wanted her. He killed her husband right in front of her so he could take her as his own. She's been stuck in his house until yesterday. He was finished with her, so he sent her home."

"Vala, that's terrible. I'm sure it was awful for you. No wonder you've been so quiet."

"Daniel, she's seen the safe. It's in his bed quarters. He opened it to put something inside, and she saw the crystal."

"That's good news. We just have to find a way in then we can go home and these people can go and be with the rest of their village. Why didn't you say anything to the others?"

Vala looked down. She hesitated be for finally answering, "I think I've come up with a plan. Seba apparently has a weakness for women. If I were to go to him, I think I could get close enough to cracking the safe."

"What?"

"Listen to me. Jana and I have already come up with a plan. There's a drug made from one of the flowers that grows here. Jana is mixing it tonight. I will go tomorrow night, flirt with him, and slip it into his drink. His men won't be in the house. He sends them away at night, so I'll be alone with him. As soon as the drug knocks him out, I will open the safe, get the crystal, and we will be able to escape."

"Absolutely not! He could hurt you!"

"And, this is why I've been quiet. I knew you'd react this way!"

"How should I react? I don't want you in danger."

"Daniel, I can take care of myself. Just because we are together, well, it doesn't change that now does it? Be reasonable. It's the best plan."

"No, there's another way," Daniel declared firmly. "We know where the crystal is now. We can get a few men and raid the house."

"Really, Daniel? These are farmers, not soldiers. Do you think they would be fleeing their planet if fighting was their strong suit? You'll get them killed."

"Then, I'll go myself."

"Daniel, I don't think you're his type," Vala said with a slight smile. "And, I'm quite sure I've picked more locks than you. You know my way is our best option."

Daniel sighed and held Vala a little closer. "I'm sorry. I just can't stand the idea of someone hurting you. You're not wrong. You are an amazing, strong woman. This is just hard for me."

"I know, darling. I love you, too."

"I think I have an idea. Did you happen to get the schematics of the house?"

Vala nodded, "the bed chamber Seba uses is in the back, right corner."

"Okay, let's go talk to Grevon and Jana. If my idea is going to work, we may need their help."

Vala kissed him. "I'll get Shifu. Let's go work out our plan."

The next day was excruciatingly long for Daniel. He kept thinking, desperate for another solution but Vala was right. These people were not soldiers. He and Vala were on their own. It was the only way to insure their best chance of victory. The first snowflakes were beginning to fall when they called it a day, and Daniel used them as an excuse not to have a meeting that night. He did tell the men to pack quickly. He didn't tell them about the plan. Instead, he suggested that with the snow coming, they would have to be prepared to move if an opportunity presented itself. The men were satisfied with his answer.

Vala walked into town alone, so they didn't arouse any suspicion from Seba's guards. Daniel was supposed to drop Shifu off with Jana then slip into town another way and sneak in through the back window that had been intentionally left open by the older woman who cleaned the house. She was a trusted friend of Jana's, so Grevon suggested she be brought into the plan. Like Daniel, he believed it would be best if Vala had some back up.

Of course, plans changed at the last minute. After Vala had left, a few of the farmers arrived. Daniel managed to get rid of them pretty quickly, but he no longer had time to drop off Shifu so he put Shifu into the carrier Vala usually strapped to her chest and took off for Seba's house. Thankfully, the baby was sound asleep when Daniel slipped in through the window. He heard Vala's voice downstairs. She was holding her own pretty well.

"Wait a minute, handsome. Aren't you going to offer a girl a drink?" Vala said seductively.

"You are a delightful change of pace," Seba replied. "I like a woman who knows how to have a good time."

"Oh, tonight's going to be one you won't forget for a long time. Now, is this a bottle of brandy? Very nice. Let me pour us a few drinks. You get comfortable."

Daniel tried to pick the lock, but it wouldn't budge. He wasn't sure if his failure was from his lack of experience or his inability to concentrate knowing that scum bag was so close to Vala. He heard Vala laugh at the man's terrible jokes and speak a few pretty racy comments. Why wouldn't that man just go to sleep already. Finally, he just couldn't take any more, so he slipped out of the bedroom and down the hallway. Seba had his back to Daniel. He was working very hard to get Vala into his embrace, but Vala was backing up. She was just almost backed into a corner when Daniel decided enough was enough. He really wanted to shoot this man, but he couldn't risk alerting the guards he knew wouldn't be far from the house, so he slipped up behind Seba and hit him in the back of the head with the bunt of his gun. Seba fell instantly, and Daniel was rewarded with a kiss.

As soon as Vala finished kissing him, she noticed Shifu asleep in his carrier. "Daniel Jackson, did you just bring my son on a heist?"

"Let's talk about that after we get the crystal," Daniel said with a smile.

Thanks to Vala's lock picking experience, they quickly cracked the safe, got the crystal, and climbed out through the window. It was snowing very steadily by the time they let their friends know they'd been successful and made their way to the gate. "By morning, the people will be safely off world. We did pretty good, Vala."

"Yes, we did, but Daniel," Vala said with a smile, "don't you ever bring any of our children on a mission again."

"Any of our children?"

"Any. I think we need to get started quickly. I may want a whole houseful," Vala said with a laugh. "Now dial the gate. I want to take our son home."

"Fair enough, but if you want to add to our little family it's probably time I made an honest woman out of you. Want to get married?"

Again, Daniel was rewarded with a kiss. "Dial the gate, darling. It sounds like you've got some ring shopping on your agenda."