November 2012

When November rolled around, and everyone was gearing up for Thanksgiving at the Mitchell's, (easier than the two packing the triplets and Penny's pregnant belly), and Vala was standing in the middle of the kitchen, making a pie (attempting to) as Lukas ran around, and Alexandra banged on her toy keyboard. Daniel had promised he would be home to put the kids down for their nap after spending the morning at the base. Thanksgiving didn't really matter to intergalatic travel.

"I'm home, sorry I'm late!" Daniel apologized as he walked into the house, putting his bag down by the door, and slipping off his shoes. He looked at Vala who looked as fed up as a mother of two toddlers could be. "Sorry. Did they eat?"

"Yes," Vala sighed.

"Okay, Luke buddy come here," Daniel called as he grabbed the racing toddler. "Why don't you go grab a story for Daddy to read, and we can have special story time before nap time?"

"No tank you," Lukas said, his face scrunching up. If Lukas was one thing, he was very linguistically gifted, much like his father.

"Yes thank you," Daniel replied hoisting his son on his hip. "You need a nap."

"Nope," Lukas shook his head, as Daniel chuckled, and Vala moved into the livingroom, to give her son a kiss.

"Yes my darling," she smiled. "Go for a nap."

"No," Lukas whined, as Daniel sighed and the little boy started to cry. Nap time was becoming more and more of a struggle for Lukas.

"Can you?" Daniel gestured towards Alexandra who was playing by herself in peace.

"Of course Daniel," Vala smiled, grabbing the little girl, and placing her in Daniel's spare arm. "Sweet dreams my little defender," she whispered giving her a kiss. Daniel smiled, as one child threw a fit in one arm, and the youngest snuggled into his chest. Daniel struggled his way upstairs, and into Lukas' room first, disposing of the toddler into his crib. Making a quick stop into Alexandra's nursery, he laid the little girl down, who gratefully took her blanket and giraffe, and went to sleep. Turning back to Lukas' room, Daniel sighed upon seeing the empty crib. Lukas was getting faster at climbing out, and he knew it was only a matter of days before the crib was transformed into a bed.

"Lukas?" Daniel called softly, as he went to look at the stairs, and noticed that he at least kicked the baby gate closed, and Lukas was standing there determination on his face. "Nope, it's nap time."

"No," Lukas protested.

"Yes," Daniel replied picking the toddler up, who at that moment started to scream, that could rival his sister's. "Stop the crying." Sighing, Daniel carried the kicking and screaming toddler into his room once again, and placed him in the crib. "You're to stay in your bed. No getting out." As the wails got even louder, Daniel sighed and moved to shut the door, so that his son's wails would not wake Alexandra, and hopefully he'd cry himself to sleep.

Moving downstairs, Daniel smiled at Vala who was nose in a cookbook. If you asked him the day he met Vala if they'd be a family, he would have laughed. But two kids later, and he was perfectly happy with his life. Even if his son was crying at the top of his lungs because he didn't want to nap.

By the time nap time was over, and both kids were redressed, and the pies were packed into the SUV, the two, each with a child in their arms left their house.

"Vala, Dr. Jackson," a voice called jogging up to their SUV. Major Davis stopped as he reached the couple, as they both adjusted the children on their hips.

"What is it Major?" Daniel asked as he looked at the man, and then back at the black Airforce SUV parked on the street.

"Sir, Ma'am, there is someone who just came through," Davis started. "Ma'am, it's your father."

Vala stood there, gripping onto Lukas, as she stared at Paul Davis. "Jacek? He's back…" Looking at Daniel, and her children, she took a breath, and glanced up at the sky, as a hand touched her chin.

"Mum," Lukas said sternly.

"Lukas," Vala smiled and kissed her son's hand, as it placed itself on her mouth. "You're a good boy."

"Ma'am, he is insisting on seeing you."

"Daniel?" Vala asked looking at him.

"We'll take the kids," Daniel sighed. "Major we'll follow you up." Nodding, Major Davis moved back to the SUV, as Vala just looked at him. "Daniel?"

"He was bound to come back," Daniel said putting his hand on her back. "Come on, let's go." Unlocking the vehicle, Daniel opened the backdoor, before moving to the other side to put Alexandra in her car seat. The drive was full of giggles, as Lukas and Alexandra played in the backseat, and Vala catching herself in thought but being taken from them with the giggling of the children.

Arriving at the base, the small family made their way down to level 28, where Jacek was being held.

"What do you think he wants?" Vala asked standing at the end of corridor, Alexandra now on her hip, and Daniel holding onto Lukas' hand.

"He's not my father," Daniel replied, looking at Vala, her nerves were showing. He couldn't blame her, the last time Jacek was on Earth, he had broken her heart. "But it's up to you, I'll be in there with you, or me and the kids will be waiting out here." If Daniel knew one thing, it was that Vala needed gentle pushing, and support of her own wishing.

Vala stood staring at the door down the hall, her mind was racing. Her life was great, she and Daniel still had their problems, but there was more good than bad in her life. She knew the moment she walked into the room, it would open her life up…

Reaching to take Daniel's spare hand, the four started to walk down the hallway. Lukas kept flipping his head around and trying to pull Daniel. "No Lukas, stay with Mommy and Daddy."

Nodding to the guards, the door was opened, and Vala took a step forward.

"Jacek," Vala said, almost void of emotion, as the man started to turn around.

"Vala!" Stopping and noticing his daughter standing there, hand in hand with Daniel, and two children. "Who are these?"

"Our children," Vala replied almost sharply, tightening her grip on Alexandra.

"This is Lukas, and Alexandra," Daniel supplied, squeezing her hand, and gesturing to both the children respectfully.

"I'm a grandfather? How wonderful Vala! I'm your grandfather." Lukas looked at Jacek, then up at Daniel and Vala, and then back at Jacek before scrunching his face and moving towards Daniel closer.

"Daddy?"

Letting go of Vala's hand, Daniel quickly reached and lifted his son who reached towards Vala, but settled being with his father.

"Oh he just doesn't know me yet," Jacek chuckled.

"What are you doing here?" Vala asked, drawing his attention back to her, and the reason he was back on Earth.

"Can't coming to see you be the reason Vala?" Jacek asked, as Vala sighed.

"No, because I know you," Vala replied readjusting Alexandra who was getting bored. "Darling, don't pull hair," she scolded slightly. "We have plans Jacek."

"Okay, okay," he started. "I'm in trouble." Vala groaned and moved to turn towards the door.

"Vala," Daniel said softly, causing her to stop, and look towards the ceiling, and taking in a breath.

"Daniel, can you take her?" Vala turned toward Daniel, who put Lukas down, and reached for their youngest. "I need to talk to Jacek."

"We'll be in the hall," Daniel replied softly, taking Alexandra who protested leaving her mother's arms. "Mon coeur," Daniel cooed softly to his daughter. "Lukas, come with Daddy."

At the sound the door shutting, Vala turned around and faced Jacek. "After 5 years, you decide to come back into my life? 5 years, to a place I finally fit in, I finally want to be better than you ever wanted me to be. I'm happy, happier than I have ever been. I am a mother, to two children whom I love with everything in me. I'm will do everything in my power to prevent the from being hurt, and with you here, and if I let you in their lives, you will break their heart like you broke mine."

"Vala," Jacek started.

"No, I can get over having you disappointing me one more time, but I will not allow you to disappoint my children. So say what you need to say because this will be the last time I will ever let you disappoint me." Tears were brimming her eyes, and she knew she would preferred to have Daniel beside her for emotional support. Waiting, she laughed to herself, and turned to the door. "Goodbye Jacek."

"It's your mother," he finally announced as Vala stepped outside.

"What?" Genuine surprise was evident in the tone of her voice, as she turned around and looked at her father.

"She's dying," Jacek replied. "That's why I came to find you. I got word she contracted the heat sickness."

"Is she on Arras?"

"Yes. Vala…"

Not listening, she left the room her mind was racing, she left Arras when her mother remarried, and vowed she'd never go back. She stood standing outside the door that separated her and Jacek. There was a chance that Jacek was just screwing with her, but never once did he ever bring her mother into his games. She decided, she had to go, go back, and make sure that her mother was okay. She understood how much her mother loved her, the same amount she loved her children. Taking a breath, she made her way to Daniel, and the children who were sitting on the floor, playing patty cake. The kids were laughing, and Daniel looked more at peace than he had in the past few months. It was amazing what could happen when it was just you and your kids, and their giggles. Smiling at the sight, she bent down and placed a kiss on Daniel's cheek. "I love you."

Smiling, Daniel turned and placed a kiss on her lips. "I love you," he echoed. "You okay?"

"Daniel, Vala, what are you guys still doing here?" Sam asked looking at the small family at the end of the hall. She herself was running late heading to the Mitchell's. They had been at the Mitchell's when Jacek arrived, and was just heading back to her family, and the impending supper.

"Samantha, I need to go off world," Vala blurted, as Daniel turned his head shocked, he grabbed Alexandra from the ground, as he stood up, and placed her firmly on his hip. Lukas pulled himself up, and moved towards Vala. "It's my mother. Jacek says she's sick, and I need to go find out.

Sam looked at Vala, and then to Daniel, who just nodded in support. "Now?" she asked, as Vala nodded.

"Daniel, can you take the children? I need to do this." Her voice was almost pleading.

"Go," Daniel urged, as Sam nodded.

"Daniel, can you call Jack and tell him I'll be there as soon as possible," Sam requested as Daniel nodded. "I'll go get the gate ready and dialed." Years prior Vala had given the coordinates to her planet.

"Lukas, come here my little boy," bending down the toddler smiled and gladly went into her arms. "I have to go away for a little bit. I need you to be a perfect gentleman for Daddy, okay? I love you. Very much."

"Ove you," Lukas smiled as he kissed Vala. She didn't know if he truly realised what she said, but she hugged her son tight, as the tears started finally drop from her eyes.

"I love you, I love you," she repeated holding onto him. The wiggling toddler, who just wanted to get down caused her to loosen her grip. Kissing him once more, she let him go, standing up, she looked at Alexandra, who reached out her hands to touch Vala's face. "Be good for Daddy my little defender of people," she whispered. "I love you more than anything," she added giving the baby a kiss.

"Vala," Daniel said softly. "Don't cry. Go, I'll be here when you come back. We'll be fine." Giving her another kiss, he added. "I love you."

"I love you," she agreed. "All of you. Be good."

Turning heel, she quickly made her way to the gateroom, knowing that if she stayed longer, she would start crying more than she already was. Taking a moment, she took a breath, and looked up at the control room where Sam was standing. She waved, after taking the pack that was handed to her, and moved up the ramp. Here she was, for the first time since she left Arras was returning, and to her village of Belcarra. She was going back unarmed, without backup, but knew that Sam would keep the gate open until the SG team she was sending made their way through-probably only a minute or two behind her.

Emerging through the Stargate on her home planet, Vala looked around. It had changed slightly, but it held the air of familiarity. The Gate was at the entrance to the main city, and for the first time no guards were at the gate. It was slightly more advanced in terms of technology than the last time she was home, but it was all the same. Moving down the path away from the main city of Ricarla, and towards the village that occupied down the road from the main city; her mind was racing. What if Jacek was lying, what if her mother was okay, what if this was all a ploy to toy with her? But what if it wasn't…

From the moment she found out she was pregnant, she understood what her mother felt for her. How she heartbroken the moment Vala gave up, and left, never to return… How it was such a wonderful experience to be a mother, and there was something that could be said about the heartbreak a child could bring. Adria was the child that broke her, and she knew that Lukas and Alexandra would inadvertently hurt her, like she did her mother.

And here she was, her pace slowing as people, stopped what they were doing, and watched as she walked through the centre of the village. People were wandering around, some stopped, and looked at her, some continued to walk down the cobblestone. She knew where her mother lived last, and as she walked down, towards the small house that she left.

"Vala Mal Doran," a voice called, causing Vala to turn towards the voice.

"Adeja Durae," Vala replied looking at the woman standing.

"Come to steal from us now?" The woman asked, as people around started to stop and stare at the two. "Like your good for nothing father?"

"Jacek was here?" Vala asked, and everything started to make sense. He didn't get word, he saw it for himself. He was here, and once again stole something. "Where's my mother?"

Adeja let her arms drop from being crossed on her chest, and her brows furrowed. The woman studied Vala, the look of sheer panic and concern on her face, the dark circles under her eyes, the darkness in her eyes, shimmering with tears.

"Where's my Mother?" Vala asked again, almost pleading. "Please?"

"Ferlin," the woman called her husband over. "Go get Mikara, tell her that Vala returned, and we're heading to see Elana." Turning and walking closer to Vala, the woman stopped. "Come with me, I'll take you to her."

Vala followed closely, and the two entered the larger building, and walked upstairs through one of the backdoors. With every step, Vala's chest tightened, and when the door opened, and she stepped in, she saw herself in sixteen years. Elana Doran turned and looked at Vala.

"Vala?"

"Mother," Vala whispered moving into the room. The woman sat on the windowsill, her skin flushed red. Jacek was right, she had the heat sickness. Vala moved closer, and looked at her, her flushed red skin, her eyes glassy, and bloodshot. Vala's heart broke as she saw her mother. Elana was the only person who really in truly raised her, and walked through the the fire so to speak with her.

"What are you doing here?" Elana asked looking at the woman, who was her clone.

"Jacek said you were sick," Vala replied moving more towards her mother. "You're sick mother."

"Nothing I can not handle," Elana replied. "My Vala, it's been many years." Reaching to touch her daughter's cheek, she smiled. "You're different."

"Mother," Vala smiled covering Elana's hand.

"You came back," a voice said from the doorway.

"Mikara," Elana scolded.

"I found a home," Vala whispered to Elana, who ignored the teenager in the doorway.

Daniel had dropped both children off at Jack and Sam's for the day, as he made his way to Arras to see Vala. SG-13 had gated through after her, and he and SG-2 were heading over.

Arriving on the planet, he looked around, and smiled at the familiarity of the village. Vala and her decorating style seemed to come from the village he was currently standing in. It wasn't like most villages, it was a bit more advanced than Earth, and just off the main city.

"Daniel," Vala called, as she ran towards him and SG-2, jumping into his arm and placing a kiss on his lips.

Returning the kiss, Daniel held onto her tight. "I have some clothes for you."

"You always wanting to get my clothes off," she teased pecking his lips again. "How are my babies?"

"Missing their mum," Daniel replied. "Sam and Jack took them for the day."

"Is Lukas sleeping in his own bed?" she asked seriously, as Daniel shook his head. Since the little boy learned to climb out of of his crib, he had been routinely winding up in their bed.

"I don't put him to bed like Mummy does, apparently" Daniel smiled. "How are things here?"

"Mother is very ill," Vala replied as Daniel let her down to the ground. Her hand found its way to intertwine with his, and she started to lead him into the core of the village. "My step-father Arix isolated her, and is trying to get her a place in the city hospital. Mikara isn't helping much. But she should be able to sweat the sickness out soon."

"Who?"

"Mikara? My half-sister," Vala explained as the two walked. "Mother and Arix married as I left Belcarra, Mikara is theirs." Vala never spoke of her family, or her experience growing up. It wasn't important to their relationship, Daniel knew she'd been through as much trauma as he had been, and she moved on. How she was raised didn't impact how they raised Lukas and Alexandra. Although she declared early on in their family, to never look back. But here she was, her father locked up at the SGC, and her mother ill.

Daniel had to admit he was a bit nervous meeting her mother. There was something to be said about meeting the mother of your lover, and the mother of your two children. It was a bit frightening.

Walking into the small building, Vala led Daniel into the room she was staying in. It was bright, and warm, and the moment the door closed, Vala started to remove her clothes. Daniel stood staring at his girlfriend, and leaned against the wall, as his eyes traced her body.

"Daniel?" Vala stopped, and stared at him. Smiling, she moved closer, as Daniel reached out a hand to trace her hip. "Can I have my clothes?" she asked reaching to his side and taking the bag he held. Smiling she pecked him on the lips and went to plop on the bed, opening up the bag. "What?" she asked noticing Daniel still looking at her.

"I missed you," he replied, as Vala placed her neatly folded fatigues Daniel brought on the bed. She smiled as she pulled out a fresh set of panties and camisole.

Looking up at him, she grinned. "I missed you too Daniel." Daniel moved towards Vala, cupped her face, and placed a kiss on her lips. Smiling against his lips, Vala cupped his hands with her own. "Now I hate to stop this, but we should go see Mother." Kissing him again she smiled. "And I need to get dressed."

"Vala," Daniel said softly, as he watched Vala stand in the doorway of Alexandra's nursery, watching both babies sleep. With Vala gone, Lukas had opted to sleep with his sister. "They're okay." he whispered coming up behind her, and wrapping his arms around her waist.

"I know," Vala replied, her body leaning into Daniel's. "I miss her already."

"I know," Daniel replied softly. Vala's mother died earlier that week, and for the first time ever, Vala knew how Daniel felt, being himself, motherless. They stood there in silence, as Vala leaned heavily into Daniel. Her mother died of the heatsickness, or as Daniel and the medical team that he brought through the gate described it as Scarlet Fever. It was too late by the time medical got there to cure the sickness on her mother, and she died not three days later.

If she owed anything to her father, it was giving her the one last chance to see her mother. She died happy, knowing that she had grandchildren, who were happy and healthy, and although she never met them, she had them, Vala told her everything about the three people that meant more to her than life itself. But every moment with her mother, Vala began to feel what she must have felt, missing her. The pain of missing Lukas and Alexandra was stronger than she could ever have imagined.