Chapter Nine
Vala skipped down the hallway ahead of her escort, making her way to dinner. All in all, she had to admit that this whole being held prisoner thing wasn't half bad. She was still always calculating ways to escape, but after many attempts she decided it was best to try to behave for awhile so as to lower suspicions. And she had to admit that it was much easier to play nice when you weren't being tortured. Aside from the scientists aboard the mothership taking the equivalent of her weight in body fluids of all kinds, no one had hardly touched her. She knew the worst was yet to come though. Any doubts that a fool might have in her situation would be quelled by the glares from Athena. And as Vala prided herself on her wit, she knew that Athena was merely biding her time.
The doors swooshed open as her shiny bodyguard activated them. "Hello, darling!" She greeted as she made her way to the table where Ba'al was already seated. "What's for dinner? I'm starving!"
He smiled, offering her his hand. "Come, I have a surprise for you."
"Is it a present?" she tried to sound excited. "I do enjoy all the little trinkets you give me."
"It is the best present I could have for you, my love."
Vala gave a nervous laugh before taking his hand. "Well, let's see it then." She swallowed hard as he guided her to the other side of the room, where a blue and silver cloth was draped over a cylindrical case of some kind. "I don't suppose there's a bird underneath there?"
He laughed before removing the cloth in one fluid motion. "What do you think?"
She swallowed back the bile in her throat, having a feeling that she knew exactly who the snake like creature swimming around in the tank was. "I think I've lost my appetite." She fought the cringe that crept up her spine as he ran his finger down her cheek. "And I'm much more of a bird person than a snake person. Truth be told, cats are fabulous creatures as well."
"Do not be afraid, my dear. Soon we will be able to be together forever."
"And how soon would that be? Next week? Next year maybe?" She watched the goa'uld in the tank with anxious eyes. "Never sounds good to me, you know."
He laughed again. "Such a defiant spirit. This is why you were the perfect host. You two are more alike than you know."
She stepped away from his touch. "I am nothing like that thing," she whispered shakily.
"Once your memories come back, you will see the truth in my words." He took her hand once more, leading her back to the table and pulling out her chair for her. "But not to worry, the process is no where near complete. Unfortunately your part will be a little less pleasant than it has been, but it will all be worth it in the end. Then you will be my queen."
"Yes, you've mentioned that a few times. What exactly are you planning to do after I am your queen?" She couldn't steady her voice, her fears becoming more realistic than before. She had never imagined that they would pull this off. Maybe in a million years, but she would be dead by then.
"All in good time. Allow me to say that there is much to look forward to in our reign together." He raised a glass in a toast. "To progress."
Vala forced a weak smile. "Cheers," she muttered.
