PREVIOUSLY:
The villager produced the paper in front of Daniel. She purposely wrote the note in Gouald. None of them could read it except Daniel. The council allowed Daniel one last reading. Daniel read the note, but purposely omitted Vala's warning about Nala.
"It says she wants to visit us in our cells. She wants to see about saying goodbye." Daniel watched Vala, as she seemed tired.
One of the council members spoke. "The Protected one may see her friends. Duaada show our guest and honor our customs. We will be preparing for the ceremony."
Duaada nodded his head, but was suspicious of Vala. He would keep a close eye on her and SG1.
The guards secured SG1 and at the request of Vala as the Protected One, Vala was left alone out of respect. Vala had been placed close to the bars on a carrier next to their cell. She had several papers to write with and by being close; Daniel was able to reach out for the paper without Vala stretching.
At first Vala's eyes were cast down at the blank paper, trying her best not to look directly at them. Her emotions were strained at seeing her friends see her much closer up. Daniel and Dr. Lam were the only ones allowed to see her the first time. But now every little detail of her disfigurement was exposed to those who knew her best.
Daniel sat down to lower himself to her level, while Cam, Teal'c and Dr. Lam stayed back to allow Vala a little dignity. Sam approached, knelt and placed a hand thru the bars on Vala's good arm. "I've missed you."
Vala, with her good eye, slowly looked up at Sam. Vala could see the sincerity of her friend's words. Vala could not hold back the wave of tears that threatened to spill, as neither could Sam. With slight discomfort, Vala pulled herself up to embrace Sam thru the bars. Daniel couldn't help himself and reached out to Vala also. After a few minutes Cam and Teal'c joined them, while Dr. Lam, not wanting to intrude on their intimate moment with Vala stayed back and watched with misty eyes.
Vala had needed this from those she had once protected and still did. She had resolved herself that she didn't need their pity, would not live to be cared for like some child or live period, even in this city. But once Sam had seen her, not the disfigured body, the burned skin and hair, the voiceless creature helpless before them. But the person they all cared and loved, their friend. Then who was she to deny their friendship? What could she give them in return for seeing just her?
Vala stiffened a little and pulled from their embrace. She wiped her tears and started writing. She handed the paper to Daniel.
"Vala said that Tena is missing. Nala can't be trusted."
"We know Princess. She sold us out at the council meeting by leaving into their hands to deal with us." Mitchell interjected.
Vala took the paper from Daniel. They all worried that it was a little difficult for Vala to write, yet they could see she needed speak with them, the only way she could.
"She thinks that we were set up by Nala." Daniel continued to read. "She wants to help if she could only find Tena. She said that Tena speaks to her in her mind."
Vala pulled out another piece of paper to write on. Once she handed the paper back Daniel's eyes went wide with surprise.
"What is it Daniel?" Asked Sam.
"She said that she believes Tena is a Harcesis child." Daniel turned to Vala. "You believe that Nala has knowledge of who she is and using her somehow?" Vala nodded her head yes.
"Vala do you think you can convince the council to find Tena? Maybe have her speak to us about what happened to her father. That we're innocent?"
Vala handed another piece of paper to Daniel. "I think I can use my position to convince them."
"Then you have a plan Daniel Jackson."
"Yes Teal'c; if we can use the reprieve of honoring their dead Chieftain, maybe we can use this to our advantage."
Dr. Lam noticed that Vala was becoming fatigued. "Vala are you sure you're up to this?"
Again Vala could only nod her response, yet she knew they would come soon for her treatment with the water. She wrote another note. This time she handed it to Dr. Lam. "I'm ok, what do I have to lose? I can't let any of you die without me." Dr. Lam understood more than ever. If something happened to them, it would not be her father that would feel helpless, it would be Vala.
"Well campers, I think Vala has a good point. I'm betting that General Landry has already sent the Odyssey and we can give ourselves time to save ourselves until the Calvary arrives or take our chances and see we can get inside help."
"Cam how do we know if Captain Davis is still out there?" Asked Sam.
"I figure he sent himself and his team back thru the Stargate once we didn't return. Seeing us taken into custody, he wouldn't want to start a battle without risking our lives. I know he had to return back thru the Stargate and I just bet someone sabotaged the gate."
"Indeed." Teal'c continued to be stoic, but his concern for Vala's well being was evident from the crease in his brow. It was not unnoticed by Vala. She could sense Teal'c watching her.
Vala blinked her eye and motioned to Teal'c. Daniel and the rest watched as Vala touched Teal'c's brow. She smoothed it over, conveying what words could not. He bowed in response, holding her hand in place. "Do what you must Vala Mol Doran. As always we are with you." Vala smiled back slightly with the edge of her face grimacing in smiling at her friend.
Daniel smiled seeing the interaction, as well as the others. Daniel moved closer as he heard footsteps. He pulled her hand to his lips and mouthed what she needed to hear. In a low tone he said the words she thought she would never hear from him.
"I love you."
TBC