Chapter Eight

Three months later

"You wouldn't lock up a pregnant woman, would you?"

The guard continued to scowl and Vala rubbed her stomach for measure, grinning widely at the guard. "I'm just about seven months along. And really, I could go into labour at any time now. And that makes a hell of a mess. And I believe they would make you clean it up. Completely disgusting."

That particular speech had worked last time but the guard ignored her. "Look, we're very sorry about what happened..."

"Save it," the guard sitting in the corner growled. "The Grand Vizier will reach his decision tomorrow. Until then, you and friend will stay put. Baby or no baby."

"Next time your vizier should keep his hands to himself," Adria finally spoke up from the bench in the corner of their cell. "And he's lucky all he got was a black eye."

Vala was equal parts proud and exasperated. Travelling with Adria had been like opening a door to her past, what with running into old friends and former colleagues. They had spent a solid month in peaceful reflection, another month assisting in several villages ravaged by the Ori soldiers and this past month Vala had decided to teach her daughter some valuable survival skills. However, she had not counted on her daughter being so much like her.

The tenacity that Adria had displayed as the Orici had returned, reminding Vala of herself at a young age. She had taken to Vala's former life slowly at first, taking nearly the whole month to secure them a cargo ship by mostly honest means. They had only intended to be on Korbova IV for a day or two until the Grand Vizier had made the mistake of becoming too inebriated and placing an unwanted hand on Adria's leg.

Vala was no stranger to an old-fashioned bar fight and had enjoyed punching two large bearded men in the face while her daughter had landed a few of her own on the Vizier himself. An hour later and here they were, stuck in a jail cell until the Vizier got over his utter humiliation. Vala was certain their incarceration wouldn't last, but they were scheduled to check in with the Tok'ra in two days time for some meditation with Intef for Adria, and for a check-up and visit with the Hammond for Vala.

"Are you sure?" Vala tried one last time. "You know, I'm having a boy and I'm still looking for some inspirations for names..."

"They're not going to talk to us," Adria pointed out. "I did punch their Grand Vizier. I'm so sorry, mother."

Vala winked at the guard and finally waddled over to sit next to her daughter. "If I wasn't so large I might've punched him myself. Men are idiots who can't control themselves. Except for Daniel, of course. Too much control."

Adria grinned and closed her eyes, leaning against the cold, hard wall. "Mother, I think the evidence on your stomach suggests otherwise."

Vala mimicked her daughter and allowed herself to lean back. "Well, he's certainly exercising control now, isn't he?"

Adria extended a hand and Vala took it. "Get some rest," Adria said kindly. "I'm sure everything will be better tomorrow."

Vala ignored the irony of the former Orici's positive outlook and made herself comfortable on the bench. If they needed to escape, she had the proper tools tucked into her boots but a night in jail was a promising learning experience for Adria. "You should've worn your leather," Vala replied and drifted off to sleep.

o0o

Daniel wasn't sure what was real any more. Time didn't feel linear and even though he had been in this position twice before, his memories from before were still fragmented. Adria and Anubis were no longer a threat but the Ancients were in complete chaos.

Even above, Vala consumed his every thought. He hadn't had a free moment to even check on her and if he was being honest with himself, he was scared to do so. He hadn't meant to prioritise the Ancients over her but he didn't feel right leaving just yet.

Oma had been grateful but Daniel wished that had been the end of it. He was tired of negotiating. Visiting his own plane wasn't an exact science but Daniel could tell that Vala wasn't on Earth. He had expected as much when he had sent Adria back.

He wasn't quite sure how long ago that was. He would need to see her. And soon.

o0o

After an hour of convincing in the morning and one awkward bathroom incident in front of the guards, Vala had finally secured their release. After breakfast, Vala had agreed to let Adria fly the Tel'tak to the Tok'ra homeworld and would meet her in two days time. Some time for independence would benefit her and if Vala was being honest, a day or two to have her check-up and meet up with Samantha was appealing.

Her farewell to Adria was brief and she felt a surge of pride seeing her daughter fly the ship away from the port, knowing and trusting she would see her in only a few days. After Adria left, she spent an hour trading in the marketplace, making sure to steer clear of the guards that glared at her from across the courtyard. She made a point to rub her stomach and sip on the fruity drink she had acquired.

She was a little smaller than her first pregnancy and adventuring around the galaxy was actually more comfortable than hours of stupid prostration. She tapped her stomach and was rewarded was a gentle kick in return. Not for the first time, her thoughts wandered to Daniel. She had made a point of focusing her future plans on Adria. It was silly, considering he had been gone a matter of months, but the Tau'ri had ways of holding on to hope that had slowly taken away years of cynicism. After countless years running from Qetesh and running from the Ori, a few short years living and working with the Tau'ri had left a mighty impression on Vala. Part of her was so sure Daniel would come back but she had about five backup plans just in case.

She took one last sip of her drink and threw it in the pile of rubbish that had gathered at the end of the street, as was customary. The journey to the Stargate would take an hour by foot and she really wanted to make a start. As she readjusted her bag to take pressure off her shoulder, a brief wind whispered past her. A sidelong glace revealed nothing but bustling merchants and with a huff, off she went.

o0o

Colonel Samantha Carter leaned back into her chair as she felt the George Hammond dock successfully. It was the first time she had been to the Tok'ra homeworld via ship and it had been a long, but necessary journey. Reports of the Lucian Alliance had been plentiful in the sector and both Homeworld Security and the SGC agreed that their presence could help in the area.

She delegated roles to the crew around her and informed the Tok'ra she would be at their morning briefing. The promise of a short nap in her quarters was tempting and she left the bridge in her 2IC's capable hands. She made quick work of scrubbing her face and deposited her jacket on her bed. She was here earlier than expected, which meant the possibility of a longer visit with Vala.

She had left Vala's gift with the SGC on purpose, hoping it would see the nursery that was being prepared in secret in Daniel's still empty apartment. She hoped he wouldn't mind when he came back but considering his prolonged absence, Sam would gladly see him suffer. She was still excited to share pictures with her friend and catch up on the progress Adria had made in their three months out in the galaxy.

Just as she she went to re-tie her hair, a familiar buzzing noise sounded. "Come in," she called out, wondering why she wasn't just paged. Her eyes grew wide as the door slid open to reveal a familiar face.

"So uh-"

Sam didn't know whether to laugh, cry, scream, hug him or slap him. "Daniel."

She decided to opt for a mix and smiled and launched herself into his arms. She felt happy as his arms circled around her but then she remembered the slapping. She promptly pulled out of his hug and smacked his arm.

"What the hell, Daniel?"

"I'm sorry," he answered sincerely.

"Have you got any idea what's been going on down here? How long you've been gone?" Sam demanded. "It's been months Daniel!"

"I didn't realise," he answered quietly. "I've tried to get away-"

"Yeah well, the US government might buy that but I know there's a someone who isn't going to like that answer very much."

Daniel frowned. "I assume Vala left with Adria. I know she's not on Earth but I didn't think it'd be this hard to find her."

Sam sighed, not sure whether to spill the beans or not. Last time Cameron had tried and Daniel had disappeared before he had the chance and nobody had seen him since. It was really Vala's news to tell but if the Ancients were going to pull him away, she was going to get her two cents worth.

"Well, lucky for you, she's actually close by. She and Adria are supposed to be visiting the Tok'ra homeworld. And if you know what's good for you, I would get down there as soon as possible."

Daniel looked panicked and Sam felt sorry for him for a brief moment. "Go! Now!"

Sam looked relieved when he immediately took her advice.