Adria's smile widened a fraction at Daniel's baffled expression.

"Who did you kill?" she finished for him. "Why don't you open the door and see?"

Daniel stared at her blankly for a moment and then in one sudden, fluid movement, he whirled around and flung open the door.

"Oh my…" he breathed before his throat clenched in utter distress, making him unable to speak. The large oak splinter lodged deeply in her heart, Vala lay dead at Daniel's feet. Water blurring his vision, his knees gave way and he brushed her still warm cheek gently. Memories flashed by in his mind's eye…

Sha're, his wife, lost to the Goa'uld, then gone, gone forever…

Janet, killed right before his eyes, the camera in his hand, taping the horrid event…

Vala, burned alive, consumed by flames, then brought back by the Prior…

And this time, it was Daniel's fault.

He looked up to Adria, brow furrowed. "I swear, I saw you."

"The Ori in your mind knew Mother was coming. He created an illusion in your eyes, making it so you saw me instead."

I hate you… Daniel hissed at Maeror. The Ori stayed silent.

Wallowing in that all-too familiar misery, Daniel looked back to Vala's pale and passive face, a single drop of salty water hitting her cheek. With it, an idea hit Daniel. He stood up abruptly.

"You can bring her back," Daniel said, giving Adria an almost desperate look. Adria raised an eyebrow and nodded shortly.

"Yes. I can."

Daniel bristled impatiently. "She's your mother! Why don't you?"

Adria smiled. "Because the time is not right."

Daniel did a double take. "The time is not right?" he repeated. "When will it be right?"

Adria shrugged. "I do not know," she replied. "It may be the time will never be right."

Daniel gaped at her. What kind of a person would leave their own mother dead while they had the power to revive her? That was so uncivilized, it made Daniel's mind stop short. Suddenly Maeror took over.

"I understand," Maeror said in Daniel's voice. Adria smiled and left. After she was gone, Maeror spoke to the archeologist.

I am sorry.

Apologies don't bring back the dead, Daniel snapped.

I did not know how much you cared for her, Maeror explained. She is a dear friend, is she not?

How could you not know? Daniel asked bitterly. You have access to my entire brain!

I am new to this, Daniel Jackson, Maeror said angrily. I am not as practiced at this as those you call the Goa'uld.

There was a pause of tense, fuming silence before Maeror continued.

I can bring Vala Mal Doran back.

Daniel did a double take. Why? he asked incredulously. Why would you do that for me?

I have my reasons, Maeror replied neutrally.

But Adria…

The Orici takes too much pride in her power and position,Maeror declared haughtily.I am Ori. She is human.

Daniel smiled at that and drew back, allowing Maeror to kneel by Vala and whisper,

"Rise."

Daniel watched, Maeror drawing back, as Vala's eyes fluttered open and grinned.

"Welcome back."

XxXxX

"Right, ah, Adria? What's this all about?" Jack was asking as he and the team were escorted into a large room, Adria inside waiting. She turned, smiling.

"I am letting you go," she declared. The friends exchanged glances.

"What's the catch?" Cameron asked. Adria shook her head.

"There is no 'catch.'"

"Right," Cameron muttered disbelievingly.

"What about Vala?" Sam asked.

"And Dr. Jackson?" Teal'c added. Adria frowned at him, along with the rest of the team.

"Daniel is lost to you," Adria said. "He's in love."

Teal'c shook his head. "I do not believe that."

"What about Vala?" Cameron persisted.

Adria glanced at him, an almost uneasy flicker in her eye.

"Yes, Adria," said a voice at the doorway. "What about me?"

All snapped their eyes the direction of the voice. Vala stood in the doorway, hands on her hips, looking extremely pissed off. She strode past the team, towards her daughter, allowing Daniel to come in behind her. Adria's baffled expression flitted between Vala and Daniel.

"How…?"

Daniel smiled a wicked, triumphant smile. "Maeror and I decided that he is Ori. And you are human."

Jack would've laughed at Adria's outraged expression if he hadn't been so confused.

Suddenly Adria's outrage vanished, her eyes fixed on something behind everyone else. They turned.

"Tomin!" Vala exclaimed. Daniel backed off, away from the man in the doorway.

"Who's Tomin?" Jack whispered to Sam.

"Vala's husband," she answered.

"Tomin, I did not summon you," Adria said. "Leave."

Tomin ignored the Orici's orders and began to walk forward.

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