Title: Love Potion
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Ch. 4: Temporary Solution
Summary: Daniel and Vala make use of the "temporary solution" that the old woman suggests. But how temporary is temporary?
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When they re-entered the SGC, a crowd had gathered to meet them. This was much more than the defense team that normally stood ready to shoot. All thirteen of Vala's original "men" were waiting at the base of the ramp, plus many more recognizable faces from around the base.
As soon as Daniel passed through the gate, their smiles faded a little. He eyed them nervously, noting that some had weapons conveniently holstered at their sides. "Uhhhh, hi."
"Daniel?" his radio clicked. "Daniel, is it safe to come through, yet?" Those who heard her voice regained their grins.
"Ummm, I don't think we have a choice. You've got quite a welcoming party here."
"What? Let me see." Vala stepped through the gate to meet her followers. "Oh, dear gods," she muttered.
Mitchell pushed his way to the front of the swarm. "Vala, where you been! Had me worried sicker than a squirrel with rabies."
Teal'c pushed past him. "ValaMalDoran. Have you accepted my proposal for marriage? I have already found a suitable living space outside of this base for us to consummate our nuptials."
Vala let out a nervous laugh. "I think now would be a good time, Daniel," she said anxiously.
"Are you sure about this? I think the old woman was just pulling your leg."
"That's preposterous, Daniel. She never laid a hand on me!"
He shook his head. She didn't understand his Earth saying. Vala grew more alarmed as Mitchell and Teal'c began leading the crowd up the ramp toward them. She grabbed onto Daniel's arm and drew close to him. Something about their insatiable hunger for Vala reminded Daniel of Resident Evil, only without the dead zombies. He had to admit, this was starting to alarm him, too. All of the men were talking at once, and all of them were trying to convince Vala to choose them.
Somehow, Silar monkeyed his way to the top of the Stargate and lunged at them. He missed. The accident-prone fellow fell in the space between the crowd and Vala. "I'm okay!" he stammered from his place on the ramp.
Daniel held up his hands. "Gentlemen. Guys. People! Vala and I are an item! Have been for some time now!" he lied.
Vala turned her head to him. "I don't think it worked, darling," she said through gritted teeth. The crowd slowly snaked toward them.
Daniel kissed Vala on the cheek to prove his lie. Still no effect. "Desperate times," he told himself as he kissed her lightly on the lips. Her mouth smiled back at him. A few gasped and Mitchell and Teal'c halted their ascent up the ramp.
Mitchell and Teal'c looked at each other, then back at them. "Awww, come on you guys. Quit foolin' around. Vala, how 'bout that date?"
Eyes wide in fear, she grabbed Daniel's head with both hands and laid her lips on his. She demanded entry into his mouth with her tongue, and he reluctantly allowed it. Her kiss was desperate and strong. It ignited something in him that he didn't know was there. Desire.
He gingerly lowered his hands to her waist and turned her so that her back was to the crowd. While continuing to kiss, his eyes opened to investigate the sudden silence. The men had stopped dead in their tracks. Their faces were blank. He lightly pushed off of Vala's mouth and gaped at the crowd. She, however, kept her eyes closed, mouth slightly upturned in a little smile of satisfaction. 'Yes,' she thought, 'just like I remembered.'
Daniel interrupted her thoughts. "I think it worked," he breathed.
Surprised, she turned to look. It had indeed worked. The men just stood there, now looking dazed and confused. General Landry was the first to speak. "What are you all doing!" he bellowed. "Back to work!" The crowd scattered, leaving Daniel and Vala alone on the ramp. They looked at each other in amazement.
"I wonder how long this will last," Daniel said.
"Not long, I hope." She winked, hinting at her usual agenda with him.
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Vala's wish came true. Their temporary solution had already worn off by morning. When Vala answered the knock on her door, a swarm of bachelors were there, swooning over her as before. She quickly slammed it shut in their faces. Through the door, she could hear someone struggling with the rest of them. Her door reopened and Daniel Jackson slipped through, closing it again to keep out unwanted guests.
"Whew," he said as he wiped his brow. "What a nightmare out there."
"You're telling me." She sighed. "You know, if it wears off this easily, we might have to hang around each other all day."
"I thought of that."
"You ready?"
He sighed as well. "Yeah." They faced the door as he placed an arm around her shoulder. The door swung open. The little crowd that had gathered there observed Daniel Jackson in a sensual lip-lock with Vala Mal Doran. They dispersed almost immediately.
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TBC… Next time: Things heat up as the base begins to fall apart under Vala's spell. Little examples of just how helpful Daniel Jackson can be. ::squeal!::