Vala's fury simmered softly as the Prior (she refused to think of him as "Daniel") led her by the wrist to her room. Gently, he shoved her in and she wrenched away, rage getting the better of her.

"Why?" she demanded. "Why are you doing this?"

The Prior gave her a bemused smile and she scowled.

"The Origin is the one true path to salvation. One can only receive paradise by following the Ori."

Vala felt she could impale her own head on a sharp stick.

"That's not Dr. Daniel Jackson talking! Why did Daniel become a Prior?" she persisted, a screech pushing into her voice. The Prior's smirk faded and Vala found herself staring deeply into milky white eyes. He truly seemed to be considering her question. Was he going to answer it?

When suddenly the Prior stepped back and slammed the door in Vala's face. Pausing only to lock it, he turned on his heel and walked away. Vala stared at the closed door for a brief moment then leaped at it.

"You son of a bitch!" she screamed, jiggling the handle furiously. "Why won't you tell me?"

XxXxX

"So you're saying Daniel and Vala are wherever Adria is?" General Landry clarified. Sam fidgeted slightly.

"Presumably, sir," she replied. Landry leaned back in his chair, a hand over his eyes.

"Why did Vala even go with him?" he asked desperately.

"Uh, sir. I don't think she really had a choice. And even if she did, Adria is her daughter," Sam pointed out.

"And her daughter is evil. The Oracle. The leader of the followers of the Ori. I don't care if Adria's her daughter, that woman's a villain!" Landry shot back, sitting up. Cameron had the strong urge to ask the general whether he meant Vala or Adria, but decided that wouldn't be the smartest move. Sam shrunk back, letting the colonel take over.

"Well, sir, I think you've made your point," Mitchell said. "What would you like us to do?"

Landry stood, passing his hands through his hair. SG-1 had never seen him this aggravated. There had to be more.

"I have no idea," Landry replied. Teal'c, Sam, and Cameron exchanged frowns when Teal'c suddenly asked,

"Have you told General O'Neill yet?"

Sam and Cameron shot Teal'c surprised looks as Landry sighed wearily.

"Yeah. In fact, he's on his way here."

"I'm already here," came a voice from the stairs. Whirling around, the remains of SG-1 stood. Jack O'Neill nodded curtly at them.

"At ease."

The three friends relaxed. A sharp look in his eyes, Jack shot Landry a glance.

"What's so important Hank?"

Sam raised an eyebrow at Landry. "You didn't actually tell him?"

Landry shifted uneasily. "No. I figured it'd be better if I told him in person."

Jack scowled irritably. "Tell me what?" he pushed.

There was a tension filled pause before Landry sighed shakily and answered, "Daniel's a Prior."

Another tension filled pause passed as Jack stared at Landry for a moment, uncomprehending. He passed his stare to Cameron whose eyes darted around the room uncomfortably. Then he looked to Teal'c who met his gaze calmly, though if you looked hard enough, you could tell there was a fraction of uneasiness. Jack then stared at Sam who shifted her feet, finding a very interesting smudge on the floor to observe.

"Of the Ori?" Jack finally inquired. Landry sighed, closing his eyes.

"Yes, Jack. A Prior of the Ori."

XxXxX

How many hours had passed, Vala had no idea. After calming down ever so slightly, she had flopped down on the bed in the corner of the bare, grey room, and tried to fall asleep. It wasn't working. Not one bit. She sighed tiredly and turned onto her side. In the back of her mind, Vala was remembering.

Vala Mal Doran had no trouble making any man do her will until she had met Dr. Daniel Jackson. He had proved a challenge. That's why she had come SGC with the bracelets and all. Plus, there was the bonus he could read Ancient. She wanted to see what would make such a stubborn person break to her will but it seemed the more she pushed, the harder she fell. Not Daniel, her. Vala, the woman who had sex for fun, never with any meaning, was falling in love. What was up with that? She trusted him. She had, anyway. With her reputation, she never trusted anyone. But Daniel had changed all that.

And now? She realized another reason to put on her list of why not to trust anyone. At any given moment, they could betray you. Not to mention the entire galaxy.

Again, Vala sighed and flopped onto her other side. Would sleep ever find her?

And that's when Vala heard the knock on the door.

A/N: I love reviewers and live for constructive criticism!