LIBERTINES AND LIBERATION

by Literal Literary

This series is set after season 10. Daniel, Vala and the rest of SG1 deal with the mysteries of Vala's past the politics of funding the SGC and each other. This series is set both on Earth and off world.

36. Chapter 36

LIBERTINES AND LIBERATION – Kat, Katana – CHAPTER 36

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any Stargate characters, ideas or themes. As a matter of fact, Stargate can have my ideas if they want them (wouldn't that be great). All standard applicable disclaimers apply to this piece. I have tried to source any materials quoted in furtherance of this story.

Spoilers: Probably some for Season 10 and beyond

Summary: Vala and Daniel centered storyline adventure (hopefully); relationship (okay yes); angst (yup); comfort; etc.

Rating: R to NC-17 in some parts, with some language and sexually graphic material.

Author's Note: This is my first Stargate fiction. Thanks E, for the beta assist. This story will have multiple chapters.

Happy New Year; I'm sorry for the delay in the update. The holidays and difficulty in making certain decisions concerning this chapter both contributed to the length of time it took to publish this chapter. As always, I really appreciated any feedback the readers are willing to give.

Backed Into a Corner of Kat, Katana

The quiet tucked away corner of the Tulla Tulla Wi was a well guarded secret. The corner was not visible from the rest of the room without walking around a large post, but it still provided an excellent view of the street and all who entered by reason of well placed mirrors.

A handsome, rugged man was sitting unnoticed in this corner. The man's fine leather great coat and boots were impeccably maintained. His good looks, suave confidence and cold charm seemed out of place at the raucous, rundown Tulla Tulla Wi, except somehow the man was completely at home in the pub; he was completely among his element. He sat quietly nursing his hona brew and watching.

Mostly the man observed, but had no reaction, to the comings and goings at the Tulla Tulla Wi. Then a tall man with salt and pepper hair and a well trained physique currently displayed under sleek black and tan leathers walked in escorting a familiar raven haired woman of considerable and unique beauty. The woman wore a shimmering, skin tight pink catsuit that left little to the imagination and a black leather great coat. Her jet black hair was in pig tails. Now this duo interested this observant corner man.

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You Belong to Me

Six Weeks Ago:

Daniel awoke to a contented feeling of peace and happiness. He tried to remember the last time he'd felt this content; finally he decided that he didn't think he'd ever felt like this before, and that discovery surprised him.

He'd admitted that he loved Vala last night; he'd been struggling against his feelings for her for years, so why was he surprised that the cessation of that epic struggle would bring him peace?

The end of the struggle had indeed brought peace to Daniel; but the source of the incredible happiness he was feeling was currently sleeping naked in his arms. Daniel looked at the nude young woman sprawled out asleep on top of him. Her make-up was a smudged, her hair was a smashed mess and she had a bit of drool in the corner of her mouth; and Daniel thought he had never seen Vala Mal Doran look so beautiful.

Vala had submitted to him, to his way; she'd committed to him; and she'd allowed him to mark her as his own. And now Daniel belonged to Vala; well they belonged to one another and no one else. Daniel found it exhilarating. As Daniel replayed last nights events, his first time with Vala, a big smile appeared on his own messy morning visage.

He gathered his Vala up a little closer and breathed in her exotic scent as excited jolts of arousal coursed through him.

Vala Mal Doran awoke with the feeling of being closely watched. Not used to the sensation, she tensed with anxiety that ripped her from sleep into fight or flight fear. She would have bolted from the bed except that a soothing presence held her firmly to his warm, naked flesh.

"Hmm, I've got you Vala; baby, it's me; it's Daniel," he soothed, kissing her on the temple.

Something about Daniel's words, together with his warm, spicy scent of sex, sweat and yesterday's soap – made Vala calm, but not before she had taken a huge breath to expand her lung capacity for fighting.

"Did I frighten you," Daniel asked rocking her a little.

Vala tried to hide her shakiness and the disorienting fear to which she had awakened. She snuggled into the warm arms that encircled her at the breast and waist.

"Daniel," Vala sighed shakily as she wiggled closer.

"I'm sorry I frightened you sweetheart," Daniel said concerned at her reaction.

"No, it's me; I'm sorry that I'm so skittish. It's just new for me," Vala told him.

"What is Vala?"

"Waking up after sex in your arms; I mean waking up after sex with someone who loves me and won't hurt me," Vala whispered.

"Since Qetesh, most sexual situations I've been in have been . . . have been," Vala's voice trailed off.

"Have been what Vala?" Daniel was stroking Vala's hair soothingly as he asked the question.

"Most of them have been . . . coerced in one way or another," Vala whispered. "I don't mean blatant force," and then in a whisper she added, "not usually."

Vala took a deep breath, "I just mean it was presented to me as the best option to prevent greater intrusions." Vala's voice trailed off.

"Oh Vala," Daniel drew her closer at the thought of Vala in such dire circumstances. "But you always seem so free, so liberal in that regard."

"Darling, as you once pointed out to me, sexual boldness can be a defense mechanism. My boldness helped discourage some unwanted advances, though not all. And darling, I am sexually liberal. How could I not be sexually liberal after all that time with Qetesh? I'm sorry. Let's not go there; it is all in the past. I don't want to sully our time here talking about that," Vala said quietly.

"We don't have to talk about anything right now, but we will talk about it at some point," Daniel told her.

Vala nodded her agreement silently.

Daniel looked directly at Vala with appreciation and love clear in his intense blue eyes, "I want you to know that nothing could change how I feel about my time with you last night."

Vala smiled at that, "I'm so glad you said that; I want you to know that last night was very . . . with you and I it was . . . it was very intimate and," Vala's voice trailed off again.

Daniel looked at her with loving, sympathetic eyes and waited.

Vala climbed on top of Daniel, straddled him and looked deeply into his eyes. "Daniel, I have returned fully the love of a man only twice. There was a boy I loved . . . before Qetesh. We weren't physical . . . it was forbidden. But we had talked about marriage and a future. The next time I ever saw him . . . after I was freed from Qetesh . . . he," Vala shook her head swallowing hard.

"Tell me Vala," Daniel said kissing her forehead.

"He hurt me; he helped my village drive me away. I tried to explain that I was me and not Qetesh. But he . . . he nearly killed me," Vala spoke in a whisper and her hand had moved as if to protect her throat.

"Vala, you told me about that when we were still connected by the bracelets, but I didn't believe," Daniel's voice fell silent. "Vala, I'm so sorry," Daniel pulled her body close so that their bare chests touched.

Daniel held her like that for several minutes.

Then Vala sat up – she was still straddling him. "It's okay Daniel; I accepted it and put it behind me long ago."

Daniel nodded and waited.

"Daniel you're the first person I have been with physically that I was completely . . . in love with," Vala looked at him biting her lower lip. "That is if you haven't changed your mind or had any regrets about last night?"

"No regrets Vala; none. I'm so lucky and honored to be your choice," Daniel said gently touching her hair.

"I know that I'm a bit jumpy; please don't take offense," Vala smiled.

Vala lay back down on Daniel's chest still straddling his groin.

Daniel pulled Vala's face to his and kissed her deeply, "Thank you, thank you for telling me that Vala. You're safe with me; you know that right?"

"Hmm, hmmm; yes my Daniel," Vala told him kissing his chest. She was enjoying the closeness when she felt Daniel's hardness growing against her. Daniel pulled her closer.

Vala could feel him continue to harden and press into her belly. Her breath quickened in anticipation, she stole a glance up at him while wiggling a little playfully against his hard on. That little movement effectively shut down any further attempts at a serious conversation.

Daniel groaned at her movement and she began to trail kisses over the part of his chest she could reach from her perch. Vala felt him harden even further and happily snuggled closer.

"Vala, do you want to?" Daniel whispered.

"Daniel?"

"Do you want me to be inside of you this morning baby?" Daniel asked stroking her hair.

Vala nodded into Daniel's chest.

Daniel smiled at her apparent shyness; he would never have imagined it of Vala Mal Doran.

"Then tell me," Daniel said in a gentle voice, with gruff and excited undertones awaiting her invitation.

"Daniel can we please have sex?"

Daniel laughed; there was the bold Vala back in full force.

"Try again, baby," Daniel taught and flipped her onto her back as he hovered over her earning a squeal from Vala.

"I'm going to be your 'baby' huh; darling I didn't take you for a 'baby' kind of a man," Vala teased Daniel about his choice of terms of endearment as she ran her hands over his chest.

"What can I say? I look at you through all this aroused love and 'baby' just keeps popping out of my mouth. You're getting a little off topic. Try again, dear," Daniel told her with a bit of a wicked smile.

"Oh, I don't like 'dear', I think I prefer being your baby, darling," Vala said.

"Vala . . . I believe I asked you something," Daniel teased.

"Daniel can you please come inside me,' Vala tried again.

"Better, that line might work on me at some point; but this morning I'm looking for something else; try again Vala," Daniel told her in a voice that held both tease and a serious aroused tone as he raised an eyebrow at her.

Vala raised her head and looked heatedly into his eyes, "Darling, will you please make love to me?"

Daniel's smiled with excitement marking his eyes. "Yes, Vala; I thought you'd never ask," Daniel whispered, kissing her deeply, and then adding in a husky voice as his hand moved down between them, "Vala, spread your legs for me baby."

Vala did as Daniel requested and they spent the rest of the morning exploring each other in the daylight.

As he had last night, Daniel began to catalog the faces Vala made as she reached her bliss. Her eyes open, looking at him, she arched into him.

"Daniel, Je suis la chiave faite seulement per voi," Vala said clutching his body in climax.

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Cloistered Women

The old woman stood regally looking out from the window of her ancient stone cloister on the cliffs above the roiling azure ocean below. She still appeared vital and athletic in spite of her advanced years. Her hair was pure white and flowed beautifully down her back. She had classically symmetrical features, the very definition of beauty. She looked at the world through pale, pale blue eyes that appeared to be a silvery grey that matched her hair in certain lights. She had certainly been a formidable and stunning beauty in her younger days.

In this ancient cloister, women of all ages were dressed in simple sleeveless tops and pants that ended at the calf. Their clothes were all of a pure white cloth that clung to the body. And they all wore flat, black shoes with a pronounced toe. They went about the business of this ancient matriarchal order that had stood the test of hundreds of generations.

This cloister had managed to survive all invasions and insidious incursions of men, war and pestilence; it had prevailed against all. It had protected all. It had taken sacrifices and cold determination to preserve their ancient ways – there was no room for sentimentality in preserving such a birth right. Superiore della Ma Mere knew all too well the hard sacrifices necessary.

She was generally considered a fair and even tempered woman; but not today. Today Superiore della Ma Mere was seething with anger. She looked into the roiling ocean and awaited the arrival of her acolyte.

"Why have you not contacted me? I sent word over a week ago; I am unaccustomed to such insolence ToniaRe."

"I apologize to you Superiore della Ma Mere, but your message traveled a great distance and was unexpected," ToniaRe replied.

Tonia was a tall woman with salt and pepper hair of perhaps 55. Her features could be described as handsome but not attractive. As a woman, she would have made a very attractive man.

"And I am concerned with this because . . . "

"You are not, Superiore della Ma Mere, I merely offered it as explanation; and I am here now," ToniaRe reminded her.

"Yes, you are, so tell me Tonia, what do you know of her," Superiore della Ma Mere questioned.

"Why these questions after all this time, Superiore della Ma Mere? You have never asked before – not once," ToniaRe questioned tentatively.

"You dare question me!"

"No! I merely inquire out of concern, Superiore della Ma Mere," Tonia explained.

"Because I sense her again; again after all these years. You did not place her where I told you to place her did you Tonia," Superiore della Ma Mere accused.

"I . . . well . . . I," ToniaRe stammered.

"What did you do, ToniaRe?"

"I entrusted the matter to someone else, and he assured me that your instructions were followed . . ."

"Silence!" Superiore della Ma Mere gave ToniaRe a hard look. "Find her; bring her to me!"

"But Superiore . . ."

"Just do as I command!"

"Yes Superiore della Ma Mere, it will take some time."

"Bring her to me!"

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Four Weeks To Go

Vala's proposal had been approved by the President and his advisors. With relatively simple tweaking and concessions, the compensation outline was agreed upon.

The final agreement included all of Vala's main points. There would be citizenship and freedom for Vala and Teal'c, if he wanted it, and funding – funding for Vala; bonuses for SG-1, and funding for the SGC. And, most importantly, there was autonomy and funding for Daniel's work.

Vala conceded certain things concerning timing and percentages. She and Daniel also agreed to the inclusion of certain trigger points to the autonomy of his department along with certain notice requirements concerning his professional autonomy. But Daniel was to have complete control over the archeology department's funding, as well as the additional funding to be provided for his research under the agreement. And that control was effective immediately.

Vala was quite happy about the outcome in spite of the dangerous tasks she had agreed to undertake.

It was several days before Vala had gotten up the courage to ask Daniel the question that had been haunting her, "Daniel, what made you change your mind and support my proposal?"

Daniel had responded, "I finally decided that believing in you and keeping you at the SGC had been a total leap of faith, which had served us well, so why stop now. As angry as I was, I leaped again."

Vala looked at Daniel and nodded slowly. But before she could speak, he added in a near whisper, "And I guess deep down, I was afraid that I would lose you forever if I didn't support you."

"Daniel I don't think you could ever lose me," Vala said.

"Well there are a lot of ways someone can be lost," Daniel said quietly.

"You won't be sorry my Daniel," Vala told him as she embraced him firmly. Vala vowed to herself that she would not let Daniel down; he'd have no reason to ever be disappointed in having faith in her.

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Preparations

Over the course of the last few weeks, Vala and Jack had been busy laying out a plan of action.

Vala was prepared to deliver on her end of the bargain. She and Jack would soon travel off world to procure a hyperdrive capable space craft. Then the craft would be modified to Vala's specifications.

They had decided that Jack and Vala would arrange for the ship together. It would be the maiden voyage of their covert operations; Jack would be introduced as Vala's Tau'ri partner on Katana where she thought a certain ship broker would be able to find a ship worthy of the project.

Vala thought the broker could arrange discrete modifications to the ship with no questions asked and confidentiality assured by her past knowledge of this broker. Among her requirements: cloaking, a hidden cargo hold, hidden rooms for covert shipmates and extra sets of rings as alternative escape routes. She also wanted the systems automated so that she could operate the craft without a crew if she needed to.

Vala also remembered some extras from Caius' old smuggling ship – the one she'd stolen back from the Lucian Alliance's allies Tenat and Jup. When she, Daniel, Cameron and Teal'c found they were in a Lucian Alliance trap, she'd used some of Caius' special modifications to escape. His modifications included a device that gives off multiple energy signatures of phantom vessels and a pulse wave to spike and overload an enemy ship's power levels.

And when they returned to the Tau'ri, they would add Asgard beaming and sensor technology to her ship. Sam was also working on a time dilation device that could be retrofitted onto Vala's ship.

This ship promised to be the best Vala had ever flown.

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Sex Machine

In the three weeks since the Washington trip, Vala had come to see an entirely different side of Dr. Daniel Jackson. They had decided to keep the change in their relationship to themselves for the time being. The correct and proper demeanor that Dr. Jackson had always shown Vala prior to their Washington trip was gone. Liberated from years of self-imposed celibacy by their mutual declarations of love, Vala discovered that Daniel was a passionate and nearly insatiable lover.

Since he'd been so adamant in his rejection of her blatant advances, no one seemed particularly concerned or interested when they saw Dr. Jackson enter or leave Vala's quarters. They had been with each other most nights and no one at the SGC had yet noticed or, if they did, it didn't occur to anyone that anything sexual was taking place between Daniel and Vala.

Vala smiled at thoughts of these weeks with Daniel. The newness of the relationship, together with their impending separation and mutual long held lust made their couplings intensely passionate.

Daniel began as a rather serious lover, always wanting to make sure Vala knew that he loved her. Over time, they were beginning to relax into sex and play. And Vala was delighted to find that Dr. Jackson sought her out for lengthy love making sessions at shockingly frequent intervals. Not that anyone was complaining.

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The Lucian Alliance

"Okay Vala, let's go over what we know about our buddies at the Lucian Alliance," Jack told her while they were sitting in the briefing room with the rest of SG-1."

Vala looked around the table at her teammates and Jack, the people she trusted the most in the world and began. "Alright, the Alliance started around the time that the Jaffa rebellion left a power vacuum after the System Lords fell apart. It's a loose confederation, which holds together through a strictly enforced code of conduct. Betrayal of the Alliance means death. There are no second chances."

Heads nodded around the room in agreement with the assessment.

"The Alliance has a hand in naquedah smuggling, arms dealing, prostitution, trafficking former human slaves, as well as addictive substances such as kassa," Vala continued.

"Yeah, that junky Jiffy Pop is like crack corn." The Kansas boy in Cam couldn't resist the pun.

Jack gave him an appreciative smirk.

"As you know through a series of mishaps, the Alliance does not think too highly of the Tau'ri." Vala shrugged her shoulders, "They have tried to kidnap or kill SG-1 on a number of occasions. Their hijack of the Odyssey resulted in the death of Colonel Emerson. Our successful operations to retrieve the Odyssey and our personnel resulted in the deaths of several Alliance people including Anateo. It also resulted in the death of the Alliance leader Netan as well as several of his seconds."

"Netan, the former leader is confirmed dead, and we also presume all of his second in commands on the ship are also dead including, Vashin, Gavos, Slaviash, Karug, Millac and Rameris," Cameron added.

Vala paled slightly and continued, "Through other circumstances, Emeteo, once a strong contender for the new leadership role in the Alliance, is a guest at Area 51. The other potential leadership candidates are all just as undesirable to your government. So I think we want to consider and promote an Alliance leader who is currently outside the Alliance network."

"What makes you think one of your smuggler pals would be a better choice," Jack asked her.

"Well Jack, I make no guarantees except that your government seems to endorse a pattern of setting up leaders they control. I can't say it always ends well, but it does afford at least temporary control."

Daniel was floored by Vala's evaluation of America's foreign policy choices; in fact the evaluation while somewhat controversial at a table filled with military personnel was spot on in his opinion.

Vala shrugged and continued, "There are smugglers that already do business with the Alliance that might be willing to accept our help and provide information in exchange for control of the Alliance. I've briefed you all on potential names, along with profiles, in the report you received yesterday. Some of you may not agree, but my recommendation is that we consider Aton Re Van."

"Vala! That guy left you behind," Daniel looked at her sternly.

"Yes Daniel, that's true; but, I know what I'm getting with Re Van. I've known him for years; he's a bottom line type of thinker; he's not unduly sadistic; and, he has always taken a long term view of matters, especially when it comes to my survival. He is not a rash man. Plus, he has previously provided me with invaluable information and assistance. We should consider him."

"You're actually recommending Re Van," Daniel asked incredulous.

"Daniel I know what we're getting with Re Van; as long as you compensate him well he can be very reliable. He's rarely left me in the lurch; very rarely Daniel."

"Not exactly a ringing endorsement Vala."

"Well Daniel we're not dealing with Saints are we?"

"We'll have to see what our other options are once I get out there," Vala said. "But I think he's the strongest candidate."

"Based on the information that I have right now, I like Re Van," Jack announced.

"Jack!" Daniel scowled.

"Daniel," Jack replied calmly.

"Jackson, I don't much like Re Van, but I've spent time with most of the Alliance faction leaders and any on of them would be 100 worse than Re Van," Cam said.

"We'll pick up some more intel on this trip and make a decision before the plan is put in place," Jack ordered, ending the discussion.

"One possibility is to make another trip with some Reole chemical and establish an Emeteo presence. He could get credit for a lot of sabotage while he's cooling his feet in your Area 51," Vala smiled at Daniel who shook his head at her improper wording of the slang.

Vala had been vague in her discussion of exactly what the plan against the Lucian Alliance would be. He knew this was partly because until she got back out there, she wouldn't know the lay of the land and which of her mercenary colleagues she might be able to persuade on this matter. One thing was for sure, loyalty in Vala's old world was forged with currency. It was the quickest way to win friends.

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Stealing Stargates

While preparations were underway for this trip off world, Sam and Vala worked on a target run for the gate liberation technology as it had been dubbed. The President, Jack and Landry had determined that the operation should be run outside of official SGC avenues. Vala and Sam were put in charge, with SG-1 assisting unofficially.

Vala, Sam and Jack looked at several uninhabited planets for Stargate liberation, including Marty Lloyd's home world, which they ruled out on the off chance that Marty or his fellow kind might some day wish to try and restore their world. It seemed unlikely given that Marty was quite content as a Hollywood executive on Wormhole Extreme.

Instead, Sam and Vala selected the now deserted Replicator home world in the Milky Way Galaxy as the target. The idea of Vala and Sam anywhere near the Replicator home world gave Daniel a chill, after all they had been responsible for one of his deaths. But the Replicators were still active in the Pegasus Galaxy, and the recent reports indicated that the Replicators had begun once again to attack humans as a strategy of defeating the Wraith by destroying their food source.

If the Replicators ever traveled back to the Milky Way Galaxy or somehow rebuilt their home world here, it would be much better if the planet did not have a Stargate. Daniel understood better than most what was at stake here.

"So we just need my ship," Vala smiled and clapped her hands. She was beginning to think the Stargates were the least of the challenges she would face.

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Tomorrow

"You are scheduled to go off world with O'Neill tomorrow to see about your craft, Vala Mal Doran," Teal'c stated.

"Yes," Vala replied. "I promise to bring Jack back in one piece."

"O'Neill has promised the same thing about you," Teal'c said maintaining his stoic manner.

"Well Muscles you've seen us both fight, I'll leave it up to you to decide who will see the other back in one piece," Vala grinned.

"Indeed."

Teal'c had felt awkward about Vala securing his citizenship and the monetary bonus, though he understood her motive behind including him. She had a genuine affection and concern for him and the rest of SG-1. So he graciously accepted the benefits that she had arranged, just as all his other teammates had done. Now that he was used to the idea, Teal'c planned to use the compensation to assist Ishta, Rya'c and Kar'yn.

Teal'c was not sure whether he would exercise his right for Tau'rian citizenship, but he was considering it since the Tau'ri had a concept called dual citizenship. Vala had told Teal'c that she'd hoped they could study for citizenship together as the two SG1 aliens in residence.

Teal'c had been fond of Vala Mal Doran for some time, but her efforts to stay with Daniel Jackson through this risky venture and her inclusion of her teammates in her compensation had shown him the depths of kindness and generosity that she kept hidden.

"You know Sam I told Jack that his pancakes are so good that when he flies my ship I'm going to call him Captain Flapjack! That should keep him out of my hair don't you think," Vala grinned.

"No Vala, I've got a pretty thick skin," Jack O'Neill smirked as he walked into Sam's office. "Captain Flapjack, reporting for duty," Jack raised his eyebrows at her in challenge.

Vala smirked, "Don't you mean Joaquin reporting for duty?"

"Vala can I have the room please," Jack looked at her indicating he wanted to talk to Sam alone.

"Sure." Vala winked at Sam as she walked out.

"I'll see you two in the morning," Vala smiled and waved as she left Sam's lab.

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Sam's Flapjack

"Sam are you almost ready to go," Jack asked with a look of impatience.

"How about 45 minutes, sir?"

"Carter, this is my last night as Jack tomorrow I'll be Joaquin or Captain Flapjack or Cracker Jack or who knows. How about we leave now," Jack raised a seductive eyebrow at Sam.

"You have everything all set for tomorrow?"

"Oh yeah, I've selected my wardrobe from the S & M collection that Vala presented me. She made the pants so tight that I'm not sure I'll be able to walk straight," Jack rolled his eyes.

"Yes, Vala's old crowd is pretty leather bar fashion forward," Sam smirked at Jack.

"Well, I wouldn't mind if you were coming too; I'm willing to suffer a little humiliation to see you in tight leather pants," Jack said and ran a finger down Sam's arm.

Sam closed her eyes as goose bumps appeared on her flesh. "I think we better go home now sir," Sam told him in a whisper.

"Let's go Samantha," Jack smiled and steered her towards the door.

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What's for Dinner?

"Hello darling," Vala said as she walked into Daniel's office.

Daniel had been trying to focus on translation work, but really he'd been too distracted by Vala's impending departure to get much done.

"Do you have time for dinner?"

"Uh, yeah, actually, I was going to come find you. You saved me the trouble," Daniel smiled as he looked up. Daniel had secretly tried on all the terms of endearment for Vala. But when referring to Vala outside of the SGC, he usually stuck to girlfriend. But since they hadn't told anyone at the SGC about their relationship, not even their SG-1 teammates knew about Daniel and Vala yet, opportunities to claim Vala publicly were rare, usually just at restaurants around Colorado Springs where Daniel was known. It gave Daniel a thrill to publicly acknowledge his relationship to Vala and he could see in her eyes that it excited and gratified her as well.

"Well, everything's pretty much set," Vala told him. "We really should only be a few days this time. We're just arranging the ship. A quick trip to get Jack's face on the circuit," Vala smiled.

"Come on, I'm hungry," Daniel told her placing his hand on the small of her back and moving toward the door. Vala turned right towards the mess hall, but Daniel turned left towards the sleeping quarters.

"Daniel?"

"Where are you going Vala?"

"Dinner remember darling, you said you were hungry," Vala told him with a confused smile.

Daniel grabbed her hand and pulled her along towards quarters. "That's not what I'm hungry for Vala," Daniel smirked at her.

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Introducing Joaquin

Vala and Jack stood looking out at the well worn and extremely muddy path leading from the Katana Stargate to the main town of Kat, two miles away.

Katana's cool, green and moist climate was not unlike Seattle, Washington with deep, cold blue waters dotted with green islands. It even had a snow capped dormant volcano like Mount Rainier. And just as with Mount Rainier there was the same potential for a deadly lahar should the volcano ever spew out lava that melted the snow pack.

"Wow! Nice planet!" Jack smiled, "I'll take mud over desert heat."

"Well Joaquin, we're in luck, the weather is fine today," Vala told Jack, "You should see this path when it really rains."

In the distance, Jack could see the bustling City of Kat nestled along the blue waters. A steady hum of small shuttle craft zooming in and out of Kat made the air buzz.

"Let's go," Jack smiled and headed in the direction of Kat.

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Ten minutes ago, Vala and Jack had been at the SGC before gating to the Alpha site. Vala was taking no chances with any former associates trying to back trace her whereabouts. From the Alpha site, they relayed through an additional nine gates, the last being Katana. The cover story was a visit to the Alpha site before meeting with the Tok'ra.

Vala's dress code of leather chic was strictly enforced for this trip. Vala wore a long great coat of soft brown suede over black leather pants and a tan leather vest that showed off ample cleavage.

Vala smiled thinking of Daniel's provocative comments about her revealing vest.

"Vala, doesn't anyone on Katana wear a full set of clothes," Daniel smirked and ran an exploratory finger along the deep plunging V of the vest.

"Darling, cleavage is a weapon of distraction," Vala smiled.

"I know you love attention dear, but perhaps you can restrain yourself from craving the lecherous attention of the thugs you'll be dealing with," Daniel scolded.

"Darling trust me, in my experience I'll get that attention with or without the cleavage; the cleavage just gives me the upper hand. People focus on the cleavage and not on my face or my business."

"Yeah, that's what worries me; their focus is going to be on touching you," Daniel told her as he stared at her chest.

Vala put a finger under Daniel's chin and looked him in the eye, "Well that's what the great coat is for; it hides a considerable number of weapons in case of trouble. Darling, you don't want to send me out there without my full arsenal do you?"

"I don't want to send you out there at all," Daniel frowned.

"And I don't want to go; I'm enjoying you too much! We both know I need to do this," Vala whispered turning quickly to control her sudden rush of emotions about their looming separation. She shook her head in wonder. She'd always been able to leave someone behind with no emotion. Now it was scary how much she felt for Daniel.

"I'm coming back Daniel; I'll always come back to you, you know that right," Vala asked him earnestly.

It was simply impossible for Daniel to come on this mission. The two of them together were simply too recognizable in Lucian Alliance circles right now. Jack on the other hand had been out of the SG-1 long enough to be a fresh face with the Alliance.

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Jack adjusted his tight leather pants which he had dubbed, the "Bondage pants." Jack thought he looked like a Hell's Angel biker crossed with the Marlboro Man. He also wore a leather great coat, soft tan suede that concealed hidden pouches for weapons and contraband. Vala had taken pity on Jack and allowed him to wear a white shirt under his leather vest – at least it afforded him a modicum of comfort.

Jack shook his head thinking of Sam's reaction to his leather pants. Sam couldn't suppress her smile when she saw Jack decked out in Vala leather garb though her eyes lingered on him.

"You know sir, we've all worn Vala's leathers at some point – everyone but you that is," Sam told Jack. Then Sam had turned to Vala, "I don't know, are you sure Jack's pants are tight enough?" Sam joked earning her a dirty look from Jack.

"What are you talking about? Any tighter and I'd be in a pasture mooing," Jack scowled.

"Yeah, I think he's getting off easy too; my leather pants are much tighter!" Daniel complained.

"Mine too!" Cameron groused.

"Well I may have had the seamstress cinch those pants in a bit. I didn't want to get bored, and you two are so attractive in leather," Vala gave Daniel a suggestive look and even winked at Cameron.

They'd all gone to the gate room together still joking about Jack's pants. Jack studied Vala as they walked. He'd overheard Daniel say, "Vala please be careful; I'm not going to sleep well until you're back."

And Vala had whispered in return, "Me either; but get some sleep because I have plans for you when I return."

Jack wasn't sure, but he thought he'd seen lingering eye contact between Vala and Daniel, maybe even an almost tender touch between fingertips while they thought no one was looking.

Not for the first time in the last few weeks, Jack wondered what had changed between Daniel and Vala. Something had definitely changed the dynamic, and if Jack were any judge, deepened their connection.

Jack had never seen Daniel like this, not even with Sha're. Jack knew Daniel, and in his opinion, the man was now secretly devoted to Vala. He planned to stir that pot later. For now, it was time to focus on the task at hand. He smirked as he noticed the task at hand right now was adjusting his pants yet again.

As they said their goodbyes and walked towards the shimmering blue pool of the event horizon, Jack felt his heart race with excitement. It had been too long since he had been through the Stargate.

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Tulla Tulla Wi

As they got closer, Jack surveyed their surroundings, running off his perimeter checklist, honed through years of experience in special ops. They were headed to the seamy edge of the Trader's section of Kat. The quaint houses, all colored a bright canary yellow, a Katana tradition to honor the local god Nin, gave way to tall stone warehouses. Soon the warehouses became shorter and shabbier; the people more disheveled, furtive and wary.

Finally, they reached an area where shady men hung around in doors doing shady deals with shady women. There were drunks lying flat on their backs on little side streets. Thugs sized up the newcomers from dark shadows. A general bustle of ship brokers, gamblers and other traders filled the streets. Jumpers and people movers of all shapes could be seen zooming around. The air crackled with activity.

"Ah, this feels like the place," Jack smirked, "So where's this pub?"

"Tulla Tulla Wi, three doors down on the South side," Vala answered as she assessed the scene.

"So what's Tulla Tulla Wi mean anyway," Jack asked.

"It roughly translates to 'Absent Pigs'."

"How roughly Vala," Jack asked concerned that there was more information to be had.

Vala merely shrugged.

"Where's Daniel when you need him," Jack muttered.

Vala smirked mysteriously at that, but said nothing.

Jack couldn't help but enjoy the bustling, dive pub. The pub itself was a series of card rooms and breezeways with the main bar running along the back connecting them all. In spite of the run down state, the Tulla Tulla Wi boasted an enviable spot across a walking path from a stretch of beach leading to a bay and then the open ocean.

They found a table away from the bar in an empty card room and waited for the bartender to notice them.

"Vala Mal Doran, it has been an age," a booming voice rang out behind them. "Come to finally pay your tab?"

Vala didn't even turn around, before she said, "Oh come now, the last deal that I brought you more than covered any outstanding tabs. Praise and glory to Nin how are you Vinto." Vala turned around and continued, "Come and give us a proper greeting then." She plowed into the small man, patting him on top of his bald head.

Jack was surprised that such a big voice came from such a diminutive man.

"I heard you had gotten married to twin brothers, impregnated by both and moved far away."

"Oh Vinto, you know me better than that," amused at the confusion of her plight in the Ori Galaxy and her recent sightings in the company of Daniel and Cameron. "Vinto this is my partner Joaquin."

"Hey, Joaquin N'la Caja," Jack waved.

Vinto's eyes went appraising Jack, sizing him up.

"You do not look familiar to me, N'La Caja," Vinto eyed Jack suspiciously.

"Well ya know Vinto, it's a big galaxy," Jack told him.

"Ah, Joaquin is alright Vinto; Joaquin helped me out of a tight spot recently," Vala vouched for Jack, or rather Joaquin.

"Well then this is the start of a beautiful relationship," Vinto smirked with incredulity written all over his face.

"Oh it is," Vala grinned and ran her hand around Jack's waist. Jack's arm came around Vala and he gave her a quick wink.

Vinto slyly observed Joaquin for signs of danger. He knew that Vala was attracted to complicated, dangerous men, best not tampered with in general. On the other hand, she was known to take up with some naïve marks that she had decided to fleece.

Joaquin looked to be in the first category. Vinto thought the man might be dangerous, even lethal under the right circumstances. It was the laid back casual ones, the ones that knew for a certainty they could handle trouble that you had to worry about crossing. And, if he was involved with Vala Mal Doran, he was probably not a man to be cheated or trifled with unless it was Vala doing the trifling.

"Vinto, can you set us up with a couple of hona and then perhaps we could chat? There's a good man," Vala smiled winningly as Vinto starred at her cleavage and smiled back.

Vinto nodded to a waitress and she scurried away.

Soon hona appeared on the table and Jack took a swig like he'd been drinking it his whole life, secretly shuddering in disgust.

"So, where you been and why you here Vala," Vinto asked suspiciously.

"Well as you said, I was married a bit, until Joaquin here swept me off my feet that is," Vala ran a hand over Joaquin possessively. "After that we felt a change of scenery in order."

"Ah, yes," Vinto told her.

"Vinto love, do you have my favorite room available," Vala asked with raised eyebrows, "a charming room Joaquin, overlooking the beach."

"Only the best for my little love muffin," Joaquin smirked and patted Vala's hand.

"That room can be arranged," Vinto said.

"Wonderful! And Vint, last time I was here I left some of my outfits; are those still here?"

"Yes, I'll have Asa bring them to you," Vinto nodded.

"Thanks. There's just one other tiny thing," Vala approached Vinto and proceeded to walk her fingers up his arm. "I want to see Ruznak," Vala said in her best purring space vixen voice.

Jack contained his strong desire to roll his eyes.

"So jumping back into trouble with both feet then," Vinto asked as if Vala Mal Doran were not perfectly capable of figuring all the angles.

"Yes, well, a girl must make a living," Vala said letting Vinto assume that she was looking to fence some stolen property through Ruznak. "Ruznak has particular skills as we all know," Vala smiled.

"Ruznak's only skill lies in picking the right thieves and thugs to do his bidding. But he has been quite busy in the recent Lucian troubles so there have been lots of ships to replace and lots of cargo suddenly freed up for sale. Look, no promises, but I'll see what I can do."

Vala smiled at the little man, "I'll make it worth his while, and yours too Vinto, if you make the meeting happen quickly."

"We'll see," Vinto smiled at the offer of the bribe.

Vala smiled and put an arm around the little man, "Thanks Vin, now tell me how's the carding going these days, anybody new I should know about?" Vala winked at Vin letting him know that she would pay him to create a profitable game for her.

"It's a bit early, but something interesting might be found on this night of Nin," Vinto smiled greedily.

"Wonderful! Vala took a big drink of hona. "Oh you have outdone yourself Vinto!"

Vinto merely smiled and excused himself so that he could attend to Vala's many requests.

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Jack and Vala sat looking out at the beach and ocean beyond. Now that Jack had time to focus on the small details, he noticed that the whole pub smelled of hona, which had an exotic alcoholic aroma. Jack took another drink, attempting to acclimate to the rather revolting taste.

"What's in this stuff?" Jack looked at the bottom of his glass watching little unidentified chunks cling to the bottom.

"Oh a combination of plants, herbs and secret ingredients," Vala grinned. It's an acquired taste."

"Don't worry about that lady," Jack scowled. "What's the secret ingredient?

Vala shrugged, "You don't need to know. No, you don't want to know that Joaquin."

"You spend a lot of time in this place," Jack asked her.

"Well a fair amount when I had need," Vala told him looking away hoping he would drop the subject. Vala couldn't wait to get out of the muck from her past. It was difficult to maintain the decorum and propriety that her friends at the SGC would expect in a place like this. And Vala did not want to see those lines blurred.

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After about twenty minutes, Vinto had returned with the key to Vala's favorite room. Now Jack was sitting on chair in a shabby second floor room overlooking the sea. It sat above the Tulla Tulla Wi and the bustling street scene below. The room was cleanish with a double bed, an easy chair by the window and a small bathroom.

Vala was sorting through a pile of outfits she had dumped out on the bed.

"So are we sharing this little room Vala," Jack asked her. "What will Daniel have to say about that?"

Vala raised an eyebrow at Jack's exploratory comment. Did he know anything about the change in her relationship with Daniel, Vala wondered.

"No I'm having Asa bring the keys to the connecting room," Vala told him.

"Won't that blow our cover; I mean why didn't you just tell Vinto," Jack asked.

"Well Asa is discrete and will not divulge the extra room to Vinto; I shall pay her half price for it and she will keep it from being assigned to anyone else. I've done this in the past as a way of protecting privacy, not to mention my hide, so she'll probably assume that's what I'm doing this time and that you are in my bed. Best not for Vinto to know too many details and particularly best that he thinks you are in my bed."

"Why's that," Jack asked her.

"Well it will keep any ideas of him getting in it out of his mind, he's been after me a bit the last couple of visits, but so far I've put him off; also, it will discourage anyone else with the same bent to think twice."

"Well Vala I didn't know you were such an old fashioned girl," Jack smirked at her.

"Well I don't want any complications Jack," Vala said simply, not adding that Daniel wouldn't like it and that she didn't think she'd like it much either.

"I thought you were a free spirit in that regard Vala," Jack said deciding to fish again for a little information.

"I am a free spirit, but that doesn't mean . . . ." Vala's voice trailed off.

"Would the complication that you are seeking to avoid involve not upsetting a certain archeologist we all know and LOVE," Jack asked her with a little smile on his face.

"Everything I do upsets Daniel, that's unavoidable," Vala said trying to hide a little smile at her evasive answer.

Jack gave her a look that told her he wasn't buying it, but he let the matter drop.

There was a knock on the door. Asa, a plump girl with curly blond hair stood with the extra room key on the other side of the door. She intended to marry Vinto. Vinto was the only security possible for Asa's future. So she dutifully assisted the beautiful Vala Mal Doran as a means of keeping her away from the smitten Vinto.

Vala opened the door, "Asa, thank you for bringing it up."

"Vala, Vinto informs me that the party you may wish to see is now in the house."

"Thanks Asa, we'll be down directly," Vala said as Asa closed the door behind her.

Vala threw Jack the room key.

"A little privacy please Joaquin; I need to put my game face on," Vala told him.

"What, after I stole you from your husband and swept you off your feet?"

Vala rolled her eyes, "Well if you don't mind explaining it to Sam, I suppose I can," Vala began to reach for the hem of her vest.

"No, no," Jack told her, "I'd rather not explain that to Daniel." Jack smirked at his comeback and went into the other room.

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Playing Games

Vala opened the door to Jack's room where she found him sitting in the chair looking out at the ocean.

Vala was dressed in a shimmering pink, skin tight catsuit with thigh high black boots. Her outfit left little to the imagination. She was pulling her arms through a black leather great coat over the sinful catsuit, but plenty of formfitting sin was still on display. It was all but left open so her catsuited body was on display. In fact, the coat only accentuated her body. She wore shimmering pink shadows on her eyes and lips. Her hair was drawn back into two pigtails.

Jack did a double take, "Wow, wasn't expecting one of the Pussycat Dolls."

"Cards are a game of concentration; this outfit provides a distraction," Vala instructed.

"I'll say," Jack smirked. "One tiny problem, isn't imitating the pink power ranger going to draw unwanted attention?"

"Well Joaquin, I'm not sure who the pink power ranger is; I assume it's some reference to Earth culture that I am unaware of," Vala rolled her eyes. "But as to unwanted attention, I wouldn't be surprised if there's a bit of that. I've learned to operate around it. In fact, I've learned to use it to my advantage."

"Well unwanted attention on a covert op is unwelcome period, Vala."

"Well we'll definitely get unwanted attention if I dress like a nun; people know me around here so they expect a certain style from me. Besides, Ruznak is a man who appreciates efforts made; I find the negotiations run smoother if he has distractions, as with most men I might add," Vala nodded her head indicating that the subject of her wardrobe was closed.

"Well lady, you're in full distraction mode; I mean I should have known given what Daniel said about the little introduction you gave to him; now I see what he meant."

"What did he say," Vala said curious and also just needing to hear someone use his name.

"Daniel said you were dressed like Barbarella," Jack smirked.

"Huh?" Vala had no idea what that meant.

"She's a fictional space vixen from an Earth movie from the 1960's," Jack smirked. "Ya know, I think Daniel had a little crush on Barbarella as a kid."

"Ah, funny he's never mentioned it to me," Vala smiled thinking about Daniel's obvious mixed feelings at the beginning of their acquaintance and how far they had come.

"You would have had him for lunch if he'd brought that up; or have you already had him for lunch?"

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"Are you sure you want to do the whole gambling thing Vala," Jack asked her.

"Yeah, Joaquin, that's an integral part of getting the information we need. We talked about this."

It was true, Jack thought. Vala had covered the games of chance he would need to know. She'd taught him several tells and tricks that he had sworn never to reveal to any other member of the SGC. A girl had to have some advantages.

"Well, Vala I feel right at home here," Jack quipped with a smirk as they walked through the public card rooms of the Tulla Tulla Wi observing the loud smoke filled gambling tables; the music and the scantily clad women looking for promising men here and there. A few heads turned to watch the stunning Vala Mal Doran and her attractive, unfamiliar companion.

Vala felt a tightening in her stomach as she sized up the room's occupants. Truthfully, the whole scene was way too familiar to Vala. She felt a little shudder run down her back thinking about what life would still be like for her if Daniel hadn't seen to it that she had a home at the SGC.

They had just walked into a secluded back room, which held a large table that was already occupied by a well dressed, well built man and several larger goon-like men all dressed in dark grey that stood along each wall of the room. Two other men and the dealer also sat at the table.

"Good evening gentlemen," Vala smiled at each of the men. "Vinto tells me there might be a seat or two at your table for a couple more players." Vala gave them all a big grin.

The dealer motioned to two empty chairs. "Gentlemen, Vinto has already verified her buy in stake of 50 vials of naquedah. Your credits Ms. Mal Doran," the dealer said as he handed over two strange looking trapezoids, which were actually computer displays of available betting credits.

Vala gave one of the devices to Jack.

"Gentleman, allow me to introduce, Joaquin N'La Caja. I vouch for him," Vala told them.

Most games of chance, whether earth games or galactic alien games, involve betting or taking a chance on the behavior of your opponent, and in some cases the house. The game of Vantinian was no different. Domed Vantinian tiles were mixed by the dealer face side down. Each player received five downward facing tiles and two up facing tiles. Through a number count and color coding, tiles were obtained to make the correct sets. The object of the game was to create profitable rare suits of tiles.

The game had an added physical element in that at irregular intervals a bell was unexpectedly rang and players could attempt to snatch away any other players promising up facing tiles. Those tiles were not considered part of a players hand until the end round.

The game was raucous and sometimes violent. Special equipment was required to play the game. The table had groves where the players' tiles were snapped into place so that they remained stationary during the rounds where players were diving across the table attempting to press the release button on another players' up facing tiles. Special finger tips were assigned to identify who had pressed the release in the inevitable mix ups and quibbles. The finger tip imprinted the release button with the player's identity.

Emptied up facing slots were filled in with the successful player's discard. Sometimes, a player would seek the up facing tile from his own hand. Betting among players occurred throughout the game much like poker and players were allowed to discard tiles to the dealer at certain points in the game. As the game progressed more information about your opponents' hands was garnered from what they sought, what they discarded and how they bet.

Vala had taught Jack the rules of Vantinian and played it with him for several weeks, with Teal'c, Mitchell, and even Daniel sitting in as other players. Only Teal'c had known of the game prior to Vala's tutoring. Not having the appropriate equipment, all the friends were on the honor system, but the game got heated on a few occasions.

"This must lead to some intensely nasty and sticky situations," Cam had said.

"Indeed," Teal'c had responded with a raised eyebrow. "Vantinian has been banned in several planetary systems due to the violent nature of the game."

"High risk; high stakes and high gains," Vala had explained when Daniel asked her why this game was so popular. "Plus if you're good at reading people, you can win hands merely on betting strategies."

Now in his first real game under his alias Joaquin, Jack sat with his domed tiles in front of him. He sized up the other three men at the table. A flamboyant youth in bright avant garde leathers; a rough looking slicked down man with three days growth of beard and a well dressed man, an obvious addict of the game. Vala was seated across from Joaquin.

The dealer dolled out the hand. Jack's hand was decent with five tiles the same color and four tiles in the same suit. Jack could choose to go with the sequence or the color. Going with the sequential tiles would raise the value of his hand. There was currently nothing in the discards that would better his hand. He bet conservatively and sat back watching Vala raising the ante on the hand.

"Alright dealer discard round," the dealer said. Players handed over undesirable tiles for a chance at bettering their situation with the dealer's hand out of a new tile.

Jack handed over a red tile, he was going for greens, but received a blue tile back, though it would fit in certain sequences. Vala's face disclosed nothing of her success or failure with her dealer discard, but she continued to raise the ante.

After the next discard round, Jack saw his opportunity. The players on either side of him had tiles within his sequence. But he had only one finger tip imprint. To win he needed both these players tiles.

"Attack," the dealer called and Jack's hand shot to the tile release button for the player on the right. He saw another player scrambling towards the up facing tile of the player on his left. Jack made a split second decision to grab the arm of the player attempting to snag that tile.

An audible gasp went up as Jack successfully captured the right hand player's tile as he griped the hand of the player going for the tile to the left. Jack held on tight to the hand of the young man in the brightly colored leather.

"Foul," screamed the flamboyant youth and appeared to be reaching for a weapon when Vala sprang up and caught the man's other hand by the wrist.

"Joaquin has been away; different Vantinian rules. No matter, his move though not generally done is quite legal," Vala ventured.

This dispute was discussed loudly by all the players. It looked like it might get ugly in spite of the fact that Jack had yet to press the advantage.

"It's an obscure version of the game, but it is legitimate," The dealer interjected.

"That is ridiculous," the green leathered youth cried indignantly.

Another player shouted, "I have never heard of such a thing!"

"Well you've never heard of personal hygiene either, but that doesn't mean that soap and water don't exist," Vala quipped exacting a severe sneer from the goon like man.

"Now Vala, it's a little early in the evening to start an all out brawl don't ya think love muffin," Joaquin warned.

"Well my salt and pepper treat, as you'll recall I didn't start this YOU did; I'm simply letting all these gentlemen know that no one insults my treat without answering to me as well," Vala smirked.

"Not that I don't appreciate the effort PET, but I think these gentlemen are more interested in knowing that Joaquin N'La Caja can fight his own battles," Joaquin said pointedly.

Vala pointed to the men at the table with her hands, "Treat, all the men at this table would have to be complete idiots not to see that you are a very dangerous man, if for no other reason than you have won the right to escort Vala Mal Doran whom they all know to be an excellent markswoman. I mean they know that I would think nothing of picking them off one by one should I feel the need for any kind of revenge whatsoever."

"I'm sure they're all well aware of that, honey bun," Joaquin emphasized. "But they may need an education as to what messing with me will rain down upon them."

"Gentlemen, perhaps you'd like to settle this domestic dispute for us, is there anyone here who does not know that Joaquin N'La Caja has quite a reputation in the far galaxy as a killer of renown?"

"Well I haven't heard of him," the noisiest and biggest goon said as he came at Jack with a knife. "And I say that was an illegal Vantinian move."

Jack sprang up, hit the bridge of the man's nose and twisted the knife out of his hand in a move that Vala could see was near lightening fast. She was sure it had been executed dozens of times by Jack and with greater speed too. It had been more than adequate to solidify Joaquin's reputation at the Tulla Tulla Wi as a bad ass. Vinto's house security dragged the bleeding and injured goon out of the pub.

"Remember Joaquin, I like Kat. Are you going to calm down and enjoy this round, or are you going to kill another perfectly wonderful town so that we can never return?"

"Do you think it was me? Do you think I killed your Kat," Jack scowled at Vala playing along.

"I didn't say you killed my Kat; I said I didn't want you to kill my Kat! Really gentlemen; isn't that what I said," Vala asked to silent reply.

No one else at the table said a word, and some looked to be backing down from the glares they had previously aimed towards Joaquin.

"Never mind, never mind," Jack told her. "Just forget it and lets all go back to the game."

"Well gentlemen now that it is all settled shall we play another round. Tell me what's been happening around here of late," Vala smiled as if nothing had occurred and effectively diffused the tension.

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The flamboyant green leather man received a message and picked up a communication device. First he listened, and then he spoke into it.

"Vala and Joaquin, let's deal out folks, we got some place to be," Mr. Green Leather said.

Vala and Jack dealt out without another word.

The youth gave Jack one additional hard look before asking, "I believe you're looking for my employer?"

"Who's your employer," Jack asked.

Mr. Green Leather rolled his eyes, "Joaquin, I think you've screwed around with me enough for one night.

"Ruznak, of course," Jack smirked as if he wasn't figuring it out for the first time.

Vala nodded too trying to keep her demeanor neutral.

"Look whatcha want with him; he's going to ask me."

"And we'll answer HIS question," Joaquin said with a bit of a "fuck you" smirk.

Mr. Green Leather rolled his eyes, "Always worth a try."

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Jack's head began pounding with multiple echoes as they walked through dark tunnels that lead to dark, dank and dripping tunnels with even stranger reverberating echoes. They'd been walking for exactly twenty five minutes in a direction that Jack knew was well into the bay waterline because they had gone in a relatively straight path towards the bay. Jack's special ops training and experience had long afforded him the ability to map a path he had been led down. And based on Jack's experience, he was positive that these tunnels were under the bay.

As the tunnels narrowed, Jack felt his ears pop loudly. Finally they saw a door ahead. The green leathered man knocked and then he, Vala and Jack entered a room with thick, dark Plexiglas like walls.

"Well this is cozy," Jack quipped at the circular room with a table and chairs in the center.

"Isn't it though," Vala nodded. She'd actually been to the room before so she'd known what to expect.

Suddenly lights illuminated two of the walls to reveal the underwater scene just outside the Plexiglas. Seaweed and other odd bay crustaceans could be seen skittering about the bottom of the body of water. A ship was docked to an entry tube a short distance away.

Another section of the Plexiglas could now be identified as doors leading to another chamber. The door opened briefly admitting a surprisingly young man.

Jack was eyeing the young man, sizing him up. For such a young man, he was obviously successful. He carried himself with a conceit that said he knew he was successful and good looking. The youth had a fair complexion that could be described as peaches and cream, if one were discussing a girl that is. He had an athletic build and a well maintained appearance, in an S & M leather sort of way that is. His demeanor appeared to be well mannered but said in no uncertain terms that he was a man used to getting what he wanted.

The young man was dressed in black leather pants, no shirt and short red bolero jacket, also leather. He wore black boots with zippers that appeared to glow in certain lights. He was accompanied by his strong arm assistants that apparently wore a uniform of muscle shirts and brown leather pants with matching boots. All of the strongmen seemed to have a signature hair cut with one side of their heads completely shaved while the other side was spiked out. Some of the strongmen had short spikes while others had hair that made the spikes quite long.

Jack could see zats and other weapons -- some of which he could not identify except that they were held defensively in a posture that meant they were holding weapons.

Vala greeted the young man with a series of rhythmic pops and clicks of her mouth along with a sequence that looked like some kind of secret handshake, but really was just the current style of galactic hipster greeting. Then Vala allowed the young man a brief brush of the lips.

"Ah Vala," a lilting accent came out of the young man's throat, "You look enchanting as always."

"Ruznak," Vala grinned widely, "Nice to see you too."

Vala allowed Ruznak to take her hand and lead her to a chair.

Ruznak eyed Jack with interest and what appeared to be a bit of amusement.

Jack's eyes never left Ruznak; he knew a challenge when he saw one.

"Ruznak, allow me to introduce my associate, Joaquin," Vala nodded to Jack.

Jack held out his hand, "Joaquin; Joaquin N'La Caja."

Ruznak merely stared and bowed his head.

"He's not from around here," Vala quickly explained to Ruznak. "He doesn't know that you're people abhor any contact they do not initiate or invite."

"Then I will not take offense," Ruznak said motioning back the guards that has started advancing.

"But Vala, he's a silver! I have seen you with artifacts before; I do not appreciate you bringing a bilhete da refeição here."

Jack wasn't sure what a bilhete da refeição was, but he had a feeling he had just been called a mark or a chump or something of that nature. He gave Ruznak and Vala an annoyed, "I know what you said," look.

"You are quite mistaken Ruznak; this man is no dalliance, no meal ticket," Vala laughed.

"And where does he come from," Ruznak asked in a voice of interrogation. "Silvers are not so common; most know when to sail to calmer waters," Ruznak said condescendingly to Jack.

He is from the Tau'ri and is my partner for the long term future," Vala stated firmly.

"Tau'ri!" Ruznak looked between the two as he tried to stifle his surprise. "They are the ones who defeated the Goa'ulds are they not?"

"One in the same," Jack answered with a smirk. "And with the assistance of some silvers I might add. Our silvers have mad skills."

"I have heard no such tale," Ruznak said.

"Well, we're a quiet crowd," Jack said.

"Joaquin, in this world most do not make their silver. It is rare and men NEVER touch unless it is to do battle; and then it is a battle to the death; understood," Ruznak explained plainly.

"Ah, Vala failed to mention that part," Jack said looking pointedly at Vala.

"Yes, it slipped my mind as the rule doesn't generally apply to women," Vala apologized.

"Vala you have voluntarily entwined to this Silver? That is indeed bold behavior even for you," Ruznak exclaimed.

Jack was getting tired of this age shit; he might have to kick Ruznak's ass, but then he reminded himself that it was a fight to the death and they needed this guy.

"As I said," Jack began pulling Vala to his side, "the Tau'ri recognize the mysteries and skills of their Silvers. And since the Tau'ri are kicking ass in this galaxy, perhaps you should too Ruz old buddy."

Vala merely nodded with a smirk as she placed a hand on Jack's shoulder.

"If that's all settled boys, I need a ship," Vala announced to Ruznak.

Ruznak laughed, choosing to drop the Silver subject. "That's a switch Vala; you're normally trying to sell me ships. Woman, why have you not simply stolen the ship you want?"

"Because I don't have weeks to scout, and this ship will be a special order," Vala smiled using the code for supplying a ship with special equipment.

"Well, well, anything can be arranged for the right price," Ruznak said.

"I assume you can expedite," Vala said using the code for a fast turn around on special equipment.

"Expedite!" Ruznak looked at Vala with increased interest. "That will cost you a great deal."

"Talk to me about that," Jack said as Ruznak turned and once again looked at Jack.

Jack stared straight at Ruznak not backing down, "The lady said we'd like it expedited."

"Well Vala you are in luck there; the recent troubles in the Alliance has meant many opportunities for an enterprising ship broker," Ruznak told her. "In fact, I was thinking of hiring you."

"Well Ruz, that's very flattering. I'll certainly keep it in mind, but I don't think that employee hair cut is gonna suit me; besides we're a bit busy." Vala smacked Jack's ass for good measure.

Ruznak raised an eyebrow and let out a loud lecherous laugh. "Silver one, your death years look very promising."

"I'm not dead yet," Jack smirked.

"So special deal for you and the Silver, I'll take 75 of my fee now; and 25 on delivery."

"How about 50 now and 50 on delivery," Jack said firmly.

"Expedite, Joaquin," Ruznak told him, "Is not done on good faith."

"Alright, but I want to inspect the ship before payment," Jack said.

"Fine," Ruznak said, "Tomorrow soon enough?"

"Wait, how so fast, Ruz," Vala asked suspiciously.

"How would you like the jewel of the Alliance fleet?"

"The Borda," Vala said with a surprised look.

"That would be the one," Ruznak said.

"That ship's supposed to have technology even the Goa'uld never figured out," Vala told Joaquin.

"Yes, but the technology that was figured out is quite, quite impressive."

"How much," Jack asked.

"Four cases of weapons grade naquedah," Ruznak said.

"That's ridiculous, even with expedite," Vala said.

"Two cases," Jack countered.

"Expedite means you need it quickly, you can have your ship by week's end fully loaded and then some," Ruznak argued.

"Yes, a ship that many will be gunning for, how very convenient," Vala said.

"I will provide the remake package; that goes without saying," Ruznak told her. "Three and a half cases," Ruznak countered.

"That ship has been through several battles recently, and that's always risky even with overhaul," Vala complained.

"Two and a half cases," Jack countered again.

"My retrofitters are the best, and you know it Vala, that ship will be like new," Ruznak told her. "You are robbing me at three cases."

"You are robbing me at 2.75 cases, final offer Ruz," Vala said.

"Done!" Jack and Ruznak both shouted at the same time.

Vala smiled at Ruz and both made a popping noise with their cheeks. Ruznak looked expectantly at Jack, who mimicked the sound, which seemed to satisfy Ruznak.

"Well Ruz what's going on with the Alliance?"

"Factions continue to joust and measure manhood. This is nothing new except that we also hear tales of volunteer snakeheads looking to take over the Alliance," Ruznak said.

"Tok'ra," Jack said not surprised given what they had seen these past months.

"Tok'ra," Ruznak confirmed looking surprised at Jack's knowledge.

"You're not referring to Las'pulgas are you," Vala asked nonchalantly.

"I have heard his name recently. He is proving formidable although many of the former human slaves and Jaffa in the Alliance swear to kill him rather than follow. But he has his supporters. There will always be those that care only for the bottom line," Ruznak said with a sneer.

"So Ruznak I take it you are not in favor of a snakehead leading," Jack asked casually.

Ruznak looked at him.

Vala gave Ruznak a nod indicating that she indeed vouched for him.

"No, I am not in favor of snakeheads running the Alliance; though if it should come to pass I will not stab myself in the heart. I shall deal with the snakeheads, but I won't help them to power. Some of your former associates do not have such scruples," Ruznak said and then looked as if he regretted saying it.

"What do you mean," Vala ran a hand down Ruznak's arm.

Ruznak was watching the progress of Vala's sparkly pink nail trail down his sleeve making his thoughts a little foggy. Still Ruznak did not elaborate.

Jack smiled inwardly as he watched Vala work the hormones of the young man who rarely touched another.

"Aton Re Van is said to produce kassa in partnership with the snakehead," Ruznak spat out. "It is said his dealings with the snakehead are with no questions asked. Who does that when the snakehead is surely targeting former slaves and free Jaffa committed to remaining outside the governance of snakeheads. Re Van is not interested in the who of it."

"I see," Vala said with eyes serious. "Re Van used to scruple at least that much, what has changed?"

"He seeks profit and does not care who leads the Alliance; he sees only money," Ruznak sneered.

"And does Aton move freely," Vala asked.

"As yet he does, but he is getting tiresome and there has been talk," Ruznak indicated.

"Ah," Vala said. "And if Aton could be dissuaded from this rash course?"

"Well that could earn some new Alliance loyalty," Ruznak said.

"Good to know; Good to know," Vala said.

Vala was good at interrogation, Jack acknowledged to himself. She probably had to be in ordered to survive what she went through.

"So here tomorrow at the same time. Silver you are welcome to return," Ruznak looked at Jack.

"Thanks son; and call me Joaquin," Jack told him. Jack had to admit that he liked the forthright, cocky little punk.

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So, Re Van still looking good to you Vala after hearing that little tidbit from Huggy Bear," Jack asked.

"What's Huggy Bear," Vala asked.

"Never saw Starsky and Hutch," Jack smirked. "It was a bad movie, but a decent 70's cop series. Huggy Bear was their streetwise, thief informant."

"Well if Ruznak is right, it means that Aton allied with Las'pulgas to sell Em's kassa," Vala said. "This could be good news for us; Aton is already involved on some level in this Alliance mess."

"Oh, how do you figure that Vala?"

"It will be easier to stir up concerns about whether Emeteo is a threat to him for one. And that will make it easier to convince him to seize power if he doesn't already plan to take it," Vala said with more confidence than she felt.

"Meaning," Jack asked.

"I can't see Aton taking orders from a Goa'uld, even if it is a Tok'ra."

It occurred to both of them that Aton and Las'pulgas were now prime suspects in the recent troubles of Ishta's village given their connection with a significant amount of kassa and Las'pulgas' connection to the Tok'ra, the source of Ishta's tretonnin supply. But why, what purpose could be served by poisoning a colony of free Jaffa?

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Awaiting the ship broker the next day, Vala and Jack were drinking hona at the pub.

Vala's thoughts drifted towards Daniel and how she missed him. Neither one of them had wanted this separation. Their final night together had been passionate, intense and desperate. Vala had brought along one of Daniel's shirts. She'd slept in it last night. And covering herself with his scent had been both great comfort and great torture given that he was thousands of light years away from her.

Right now she was deeply regretting her repeated refusal of Daniel's demand to accompany her on this trip. It would have been so easy to give in to his relentless arguments of why she should allow him to be part of her team. But in the end, she just could not justify the risk to both the mission and Daniel's safety.

"Vala!" Jack smirked, "Are you even listening to me?"

"Uh, sorry Joaquin; I must have drifted for a moment."

"I asked you if you saw your contact yet."

"Not yet Joaquin," Vala told him.

"Vala don't get distracted on me, I need you focused," Jack scolded.

"I'm sorry," Vala said, shaking her head. Jack was right. Daniel was endangering the mission and he wasn't even here.

"You know, I always find it best not to think about home when I'm in the field," Jack added gently.

"Wow, very impressive Joaquin," Vala said sarcastically. "You can turn your emotions on and off like that. Or more likely you didn't need to think about home because you brought your home along in the form of a certain blond."

Jack smirked at Vala, "Well Vala that was a double edged sword, because I worried about that blond a lot more that way. Anyway, I was talking about when I first started doing these types of operations. I had a wife and son; and they were civilians and at home while I wasn't. And, in that situation I forced myself to focus. And my blond isn't here right now; and, I'm not thinking about that. Got it?"

"Really Joaquin, I have no idea what you're talking about," Vala gave Jack wide innocent eyes.

Jack just rolled his eyes and said nothing. "Just get your game face on; I want focus."

"Joaquin, you're getting my A game," Vala scowled.

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Vala and Jack were looking at the crystal array of the Borda. The ship had clearly seen some major action of late.

"Ruz, this array is shot to hell," Vala shook her head.

"Well you know ship building and repair, it's what this facility is known for Lovie," Ruznak told Vala condescendingly.

"And, I'm not paying you 2.75 cases of naquedah for a ship that's pasted together with Entasko glue. If you expect me to pay, I want to see the parts that you plan to use," Vala huffed.

"Well of course," Ruznak nodded. "Rodorood, bring the new crystal array."

Vala inspected the replacements and tested a couple in the array. Then she nodded.

"Come this way, let me show you the chamber areas and the enhancements," Ruznak said. "It meets your requirements and there's a few extras."

"Such as," Jack encouraged.

"Well, we have not been able to figure them all out, but this one is a tractor beam that will allow you to tow something in hyperspace. That's not on your list, but you never know when it will come in handy," Ruznak winked at Vala.

"Alright Ruz, we're going to be inspecting progress daily until completion," Vala told him.

"Vala you know I don't allow that," Ruznak told her.

"Ruz, it's to both our advantages for this deal to run smoothly. Besides I'd like to make sure I know all systems when we take possession," Vala smiled disarmingly.

"Vala I'll agree, because it's you and we have a history. But you should know if anyone else had made that demand, I would have shot them dead and gone happily about my day," Ruznak said sternly.

"Oh Ruz, this isn't about trusting you; after all you wouldn't be in business long if you weren't absolutely discreet about your acquisitions and sales," Vala patted his arm.

"Too true Lovie, too true," Ruznak nodded.

"Okay then," Vala said, "How about if you and Joaquin take a little trip through the gate for payment?"

"That's acceptable," Ruznak said.

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The next two days were spent observing the repairs on the Borda. The ship had to be renamed in order to conceal its origins. So Vala dubbed it Son of a Jack, which she could argue to Jack was in his honor, though they both knew it was her sly way of naming the ship after Daniel. In short order, the ship was referred to as Sonny, which Jack felt was appropriate given his paternal feelings towards both Daniel and his new namesake.

"We have one more full day of work, then you can join us for our test flights and upon payment, Sonny will be all yours," Ruznak told them.

"I like the sound of that," Vala grinned ear to ear and hugged Ruznak.

"Joaquin, this calls for a celebration," Vala smiled as she walked Joaquin out of Ruznak's secret facility and back to the rings that would lead to the tunnels under Kat.

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Jack a.k.a. Joaquin woke up with a bloody lip and a bloody hangover. Vala had been right when she'd warned him that hona was a nasty hangover.

The fog of Jack's brain refused to part with the events of last night. It was a complete blank.

What the hell happened last night, Jack wondered to himself.

Jack heard a knock on the door; the sound felt like a sharp red hot nail driven into his skull.

"Come in," Jack whispered trying to avoid any further sound.

The knock rang out again and another nail was driven into Jack's skull.

"Ahh, Vala stop that!" Jack's shout sent him reeling backwards onto his pillow.

"So Joaquin, I can't leave you for two minutes," Vala grinned at him shaking her head. She sat a tray that contained aspirin from their med kit, water and bread down beside him.

"Here," Vala said handing him aspirin and water.

"Thanks, I think," Jack grimaced when he sat up. Last night was starting to come back to him up to a point. He'd drank hona and played Vantinian with a group of cut throats who in the end thought him best parted with his cash no matter what the tiles said. Jack had been sucker punched but recovered enough to save his stake. And then everything was a blank.

"Vala, what the hell happened last night," Jack asked.

Vala tossed Jack's winnings to him. "Here, I managed to retrieve these for you. I'm pretty sure your hona was drugged," Vala told him.

"What!" Jack held his head as another nail was driven into it with the sound of his own shout.

"As far as I can tell, you were drugged. I retrieved your purse and arranged for Asa to have some boys bring you up to the room. Asa tells me our rooms had already been tossed when they got you up here."

Jack looked around and noticed for the first time that the room had been tossed.

"Did they find anything," Jack asked.

"We didn't really bring anything incriminating, so I don't think so," Vala said, "At least I couldn't find anything missing."

"And where were you when Asa escorted me to the room?"

"I'd gotten up from the table to speak with Asa," Vala said. "When I headed back to the table, Vinto stopped me and told me that someone wanted to see me. It was Aton Re Van."

"Well the plot thickens," Jack said again getting used to the sharp nails his sounds were repeatedly driving into his head.

"Yes, and I'm going to tell you all about it, but not here. We need to get out of here. If someone has gone to the trouble of searching our rooms; my instinct is telling me its time to go," Vala told him.