Chapter Five. The Best Made Plans...
Once it was fully dark out, Cameron heard a noise outside the window over the side porch and opened it to let Daniel in.
"Right on time, Jackson. Did you get any rest or did Vala keep you up?" He gave Daniel one of those looks that made him want to wipe it right off his face.
"I slept. She read a book."
"Good, we're ready to go. You know the routine. Once in a while, get up and walk around so that anyone in the house will think we're up here."
"Fine. Go. Stay out of trouble, okay?"
"We will, Daniel." Sam gave him a pat on the shoulder and then crawled out the window, followed by Teal'c and Cam.
Daniel looked around the room. It was much like the one he and Vala shared. One big bed, a chair, and a stand with a bowl and pitcher.
He sat in the chair and got out his personal journal. He wrote:
"Day 2
Today started out like most days with Vala. A nightmare at best. I was concerned about what was going to happen to her. I never wished her any harm and frankly, she seems to attract disaster on a daily basis. But, yesterday, when I saw her pass out because of the poisoned apple, I almost panicked. I felt so guilty! After all, I gave her the apple. Well, actually, the Queen gave me the apple to give to her, but I should have suspected something when the apples were only for her and Sam and not a basket full of them for the whole team. When I figured out what was wrong with the apples, it was too late. Vala had already eaten half of hers. Sam saved hers to take back to her lab and analyze it, to see what kind of poison it was. We weren't sure at the time if we were going to have to take Vala back and find an antidote. I was careless and she paid the price.
Vala slipped into a coma and I thought my heart was going to stop. I don't like Vala. She's crude and sarcastic. But, she's also been hurt by a lot of rotten things that have happened in her life, and I can identify with her because of it. I don't really want to see anything bad happen to her. If she wasn't so vulgar, she might be fun to have around. The dilemma is that she's now a part of SG-1. A fifth wheel, so to speak. But, occasionally, she comes up with an idea that makes it worth it. If I had only paid more attention to her when we were trying to stop the Ori beach head, she wouldn't have gotten pulled into the singularity and she would never have given birth to Adria. But, that's another story.
It took a kiss from me to wake her up and I was really upset when I had to administer it. But, the odd thing is, when I kissed her and she kissed me back, something inside of me broke. It felt like my heart had been enclosed in ice and she melted it. I can't really explain it. I'm not sure what to think. What will happen next? She's got me so frustrated! This planet is indeed enchanted or cursed or something! I think about her more all the time and that worries me. Hopefully, she won't become a distraction."
At present, she is recovering from the poison, although it has left her weak. I took a nap on the floor so that she could have the bed to read in. She dozed off a few times but when I left, she was awake and took the chair by the window. It's going to be a long night."
O O O O O O
Daniel closed his journal and put it back inside his pack. He was tired. This emotional turmoil with Vala was taking it's toll on him. He thought about what he'd written. When he thought about Vala, he admitted that he had to give her credit. He knew she was out of her element at the SGC. She was used to working alone and not taking orders from anybody! But, she seemed to be fitting right in. Oh, there were problems, that's for sure. Like the time he went into his quarters and found a little lacy piece of black lingerie laying on his bed. He knew right away who put it there and then he got steamed because he couldn't figure out how she got in his room to begin with. Then there was the time when he walked into his office and found pictures of her on his screen saver. Evidently, Walter had been showing her how to use a computer and the little minx borrowed his digital camera from his office and loaded the computer. Thankfully, she hadn't deleted any of the pictures from their last mission. She'd said it was a joke, but he didn't think it was funny. And yet, he had to admit that she was a quick learner and adapted easily, which were all things that would help her as a member of SG-1.
He got up and walked around the room, hopefully making it sound like Mitchell and Sam were there. Then. He sat on the side of the bed and took off his boots. A nap wouldn't hurt anything. They weren't expected back for a few hours.
O O O O O O
Vala had read the rest of the book she'd brought along on the trip. She loved to read and never had the time for it before because of the dangerous life she'd led. She was always on the run before. Now, She actually had time to herself now and then to sit and enjoy a good book. And there were so many to choose from! The base library had thousands and they could get more from the local public library, if asked.
She put the book down and looked around. She noticed that she was starting to feel better and thought that maybe she could sneak out and go see what Daniel was up to. She quietly crawled out the window and made her way through the shadows toward Greta's house. Just as she was crossing the road, a curfew patrol came around the corner and saw her.
"Halt! Stay where you are! Don't move!" One of the guards shouted and she stood rooted to the spot!
"Excuse me, I'm lost. I was trying to find the privy and got turned around."
"Look what we have here boys! A really pretty wench! Let's take her back with us and have some fun!" This guard was younger and started to take her hand.
"Wench! Who are you calling a wench? Why, you overgrown, lousy excuse for an ox!" She pushed the guard into the others and as she turned to run another guard grabbed her by the elbow and hung on.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Daniel stepped out of the shadows and made his presence known. "Let her go."
"What business is it of yours. You just go back inside." He had Vala's back against his chest but she was twisting and it was hard to keep her under control."
"Let me Go!"
"No, you're out after curfew. We're taking you back to the castle!"
"No. Leave her be."
The younger guard said, "Wait, I recognize you both. You're the strangers we've seen snooping around town. What have you been up to? Spying is a capital offense. I say we bring them both in."
"We are not spies! Daniel, tell them!"
"Listen, she's right. We aren't spies. We really are here to set up trade negotiations."
"Quiet!" The older guard took his pike and used it to push Daniel backwards toward another guard. That guard pinned Daniel's arms to his side while he struggled but he was no match for 6 well muscled men in armor. They were both surrounded and Daniel knew there wasn't any way to fight their way out of this one so he quit resisting.
The guards tied their hands behind their backs and marched them toward the palace.
Greta saw through the window but she didn't dare make a noise. She ran upstairs to wake up Colonel Mitchell and Sam but when she got there, she found that they weren't in their room or anywhere else in the house, for that matter, and Teal'c was gone, too. She then ran out to the porch and watched Daniel and Vala being marched away. 'Oh my. What's going to happen to them?'
O O O O O O
Teal'c's meeting with the Jaffa went well. Most of the palace guard were afraid of the Queen but when they heard that most of the System Lords were dead, they decided that they would help. The ones closest to the Queen were the most loyal to her and could not be trusted. There were about 20 of them. He came away from the meeting feeling encouraged. This would mean they have about 75 they could count on.
O O O O O O
Cam's meeting with The Three Bears was a real eye opener. The Furlings had a stock pile of bombs ready to go. They were just waiting to hear a good plan. Cam inspected the ordinance and was very impressed. "Isn't this hard to make? I mean, you don't have fingers, you have paws."
Papa Bear stood up across the room from Cam and started to glow. As Cam watched, Papa Bear's fur disappeared and Cam saw a being that looked like fluorescent green gelatin with sparkles mixed throughout. He appeared to have 10 fingers on each hand and they were all very nimble looking.
Cam said, "Never mind."
O O O O O O
Sam's meeting with Rebecca and the Seven Dwarfs was no less interesting. She was led deep into the forest and taken to Snow White's home. All the children were tucked in and asleep so they talked quietly. Snow White was a very beautiful woman. The Dwarfs met her there and they sat around a very long wooden table and discussed Asgard Technology. Unfortunately, Thor had been preoccupied with other matters, that being the Replicators, and even though that threat was eliminated, it was unclear as to whether or not he would be able to help. They had scanners and other equipment that would help trace individuals and some weapons. They assured her that when the time came, they would be ready.
O O O O O O
Teal'c, Sam and Cameron approached their guest house before the sky started to lighten. They managed to get inside the house without being seen and made it to their rooms. Teal'c was just about ready to open his bedroom door when he heard an exclamation from Sam. She had opened her door and found Greta sitting on the bed.
"I didn't know where you were so I waited here for you. Daniel and Vala have been arrested!"
"Oh no," Sam said. "What happened?"
"I'm not exactly sure. I woke up and heard a commotion outside in the street. When I looked out, I saw them arguing with the Queen's curfew patrol. The last I saw of them, they were being marched down the street toward the palace. They had their hands tied behind them."
"Okay," Cam said. "This changes things. We need to get to the sheriff and let him know what happened. And we'll have to move fast."
O O O O O O
Daniel and Vala were taken down a steep, dark set of steps to the dungeon. The smell was horrible and it stung Vala's nose so she tried to breathe in through her mouth. Their eyes watered from the smoke of the torches drifting up through the stairwell and they could hear screams coming from below.
When they reached the bottom, the leader said, "Take them to the cell on the end and lock them in."
They were led down a narrow tunnel and shoved through a door into a small cell. The straw on the floor was old and rotten. The only light came from a torch about 20 feet away on the tunnel wall. Something could be heard skittering around in the corner in the dark. Even though they couldn't see, Daniel was pretty sure the noise was coming from rats. Soon after they went inside the cell, the screaming stopped. 'Poor Soul,' thought Daniel.
He found a place to sit and drew Vala down next to him. He put his arm around her and said quietly, "Listen, Vala. If they come for us, you have to remember not to get too close to the Queen. She'll know that you had been blended. We have to let her believe that we think she's human. If she knows that we're on to her, it'll hurt the chances for the rebellion."
"I know. What should I do if they come for me?"
"I don't know. Maybe fight her. It might take her by surprise."
"Yeah, and maybe her guards will kill me right there on the spot, too."
"No, they won't. She might not like you, but you're a bargaining chip. She's going to want to use you to get what she wants. It might be information. Or it might be a ransom from earth. Either way, stay away from her if you can."
"I'll try, Daniel. I've been in some really nasty places before but this beats all."
Daniel opened his jacket and she snuggled closer as he wrapped the jacket around her and laid her head on his shoulder. He was warm under his jacket and the body heat was comforting. "I've read about places like this but never experienced anything like it, myself. Well, try to get some rest. I'll try to keep the rats away."
"What about you? You should rest, too. Besides, I'm not tired."
"I slept at Greta's. I woke up when I heard you yelling. And what were you doing out there, anyway? I thought you were supposed to stay there."
"I got bored so I thought I'd come over and see what you were doing. I'm sorry, Daniel. This is all my fault."
"Wait a minute! Usually you blame everyone else for your problems. Why the change?"
"I can't let you take the blame for this. I got us into this mess."
"Is that genuine remorse?" His deep voice rumbled quietly with laughter.
"Yes! And don't start. We've got enough problems to worry about. We're going to have to work together to get out of here. Fighting will only make things more difficult."
"You're right. Okay. Try to sleep. I'll keep an eye out."
"We'll both keep an eye out."
But, it wasn't long before she was sleeping.
'Maybe she's still sick. She puts up a brave front, but I'm not fooled. She's been shaking in her shoes ever since we were arrested.'
He leaned against the corner and hoped that the rest of SG-1 would rescue them soon.
O O O O O O
The sheriff had no sooner blown out the lamp next to his bed when he heard a pounding on the door. When he looked out the window and saw Cam, Teal'c and Sam, he immediately started worrying.
He opened the door and quietly said, "What's wrong?"
Cam said, "Daniel and Vala were arrested. I think they took them to the palace,"
"Why were they arrested? They should have been inside. Did the guards go into the houses and get them?"
"No, from what we can gather, they were outside. Greta heard something about being caught out after curfew and the guards thought they were spying."
"Oh great! This just makes everything worse. We're going to have to move up the plans. We can't leave them in there. The Queen's imagination for evil is endless. I'm afraid of what she might do to them. I'll contact Rocky and we'll get everyone together. It'll have to be some place deep in the woods so that we're not seen out in the open. Stay here. I'll go over to my office and get things ready. Don't leave here for any reason. Nobody will expect you to be here. I'll be back as soon as I can."
O O O O O O
Daniel woke up suddenly when he heard guards coming down the tunnel. "Vala, wake up. Someone's coming."
She sat up and tried to see but the torch had gone out and it was pitch black in their cell. "Daniel, I'm scared."
"I know. Try to be brave. If you let them know you're afraid, they can intimidate you."
The guards stopped in front of their cell and one of them said, "Dr. Jackson, the queen wants to see you." Another guard held a torch as the door was opened and they waited for him to come out.
Daniel stood up and said, "No, I'm not leaving Vala."
The first guard stepped inside the cell and shot Daniel with a zat. He went down in a heap and two other guards entered the cell and dragged him out. Vala jumped up and started yelling at them to bring Daniel back so the guard shot her too, and the door was slammed shut as Vala slumped against the wall.
Daniel woke up before they reached the throne room. They stopped before a doorway and the herald announced their presence. "Your Majesty, the prisoner you asked for has arrived."
"Bring him in."
The Queen was sitting on a large, jewel-encrusted throne set up on a raised platform. The guards pushed Daniel forward and then did the classic hit behind the knees to force him to kneel.
He quietly waited for her to turn around and while doing so, looked around the room. On a table to the right sat a cage with three mice in it. 'I guess the sheriff was right. Those must be The Three Blind Mice,' Daniel thought.
The Queen turned and looked at him. "Dr. Jackson, I believe that you have deceived me. My guards caught you and your wife spying. That is an offense punishable by death. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"
"I'm not a spy, your Majesty. I'm an explorer. My friends and I came here to meet you. To see if we can become trading partners. Friends, maybe."
"I don't believe you. Maybe we should bring your wife up here. You can watch while I torture her. Maybe then you'll talk."
"She's not my wife." 'This is bad. If she thinks we're married, she'll use that against us. I have to be very careful here."
"You lie! My sources in the village tell me that you and she are staying together in Lisel's house. You told her you were married!"
"No, I never said we were married. Actually, I can't stand the woman. She's a nag. A Shrew. Nothing but trouble from the day we met!" He felt like crossing his fingers.
"I don't believe you. Take him away. Put him back in his cell with his precious wife. They can rot down there until I decide what to do with them! And find the people who came with him. I want them all arrested and locked up!"
Daniel was forced back to the cell and felt relieved when he saw that Vala was okay.
"What happened?" It was almost pitch black inside the cell but Daniel found her and took her hands in his.
"She's convinced we're spies. She thinks we're married and wanted to use that against us to make me talk. I tried to convince her we weren't married. I told her I didn't like you. I don't think it worked. She sent the guards looking for the rest of SG-1. She thinks they're spies, too."
"You don't like me?" Vala was troubled.
"I told her that so that she wouldn't torture you."
"But, you don't like me?" She sounded hurt.
"Vala, you know that we've had a rocky start. That's actually putting it mildly. When I met you on the Prometheus, I thought you were dangerous. For a long time, I haven't liked you. But, since we've been here, I've come to see you in a different light."
"What are you trying to say, Daniel?"
"Okay ... I like you. I said it. Okay?" Daniel felt funny saying it and if there had been enough light in the cell, she would have seen him blushing. They'd been fighting for so long that this was foreign territory for him. "Look, can we talk about that when we get out of here? Right now, we have to try to figure a way out."
"I don't see how. We're locked up in this cell. I don't have anything on me that I can use to pick the lock. Hopefully, the others will know where we are and rescue us."
"I hope you're right," Daniel said. "We could be here a long time."
"Well, to pass the time, will you tell me some more of those stories? They're very interesting."
They sat back in the corner and put their arms around each other and Daniel started, "Okay. Let me think... Once upon a time... there was a carpenter named 'Geppetto...'"