LIBERTINES AND LIBERATION – Washington – CHAPTER 32
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any Stargate characters, ideas or themes. As a matter of fact, Stargate can have my ideas if they want them (wouldn't that be great). All standard applicable disclaimers apply to this piece. I have tried to source any materials quoted in furtherance of this story.
Spoilers: Probably some for Season 10 and beyond
Summary: Vala and Daniel centered storyline adventure (hopefully); relationship (okay yes); angst (yup); comfort; etc.
Rating: R to NC-17 in some parts.
Author's Note: This is my first Stargate fiction. My beta is an actual fish. Thanks E, for the beta assist. This story will have multiple chapters.
For all the readers outside of the United States, "The Beltway" refers to a slang term for the political establishment in Washington, DC. The term refers to a ring road or highway, in this instance Interstate 495, the Capitol Beltway. The Warren Commission reported that Richard Nixon's White House said Watergate would only become serious if it went outside the Washington Beltway. There is a syndicated news program called The Beltway Boys that discusses Washington politics.
Based on my memory and some research, I believe I have accurately reflected the relevant agreements in the world of Stargate that I refer to below. If I got something wrong, please let me know. I have taken the liberty of altering the current status of the Unas agreement to mine naquedah for the SGC/American government.
This chapter took a lot more time to finish than I thought it would. I'm getting a bit nervous about how many chapters I have written on this fiction, and it looks like quite a few more before I can wrap everything up. Are you guys still enjoying it? I hope so, because I'm still obsessed with writing it. It's been a learning process so any comments or thoughts would be appreciated.
I took inspiration from Milena D's Misappropriation of Lives and a short story called Believe by Random. I really wish those two authors would write more on those two story lines.
The Beltway Boy
Cameron, Daniel and Vala were sitting in the reception area of Jack's Washington D.C. office at the Department of Homeworld Security. The office was in a classic, historic building known as the Old Executive Office Building, which sits a short walk from the White House. People on the fringes of the DC power structure thought that a general without Pentagon office space wasn't very influential. However, the beltway's movers and shakers understood that a general with an office in the Old Executive building was at the absolute top of the military food chain and had the ear of the President.
The building was in the French Second Empire Style of architecture, and had an impressive historical pedigree. The public spaces with its black and white marble flooring and stained glass domed skylights added a stately gravitas to that pedigree. Jack's actual office suite was quite plain in comparison. His beige walls and grey carpet met simple old wood furnishings. There was no fussiness. The only luxury in the office itself was Jack's leather chair.
Jack had kept them waiting while he attended to last minute business. And Cam, a man who had trouble sitting around, was fidgeting with his dress blues as the wait neared twenty minutes. He looked every inch of the high ranking Air Force colonel, except for his tapping left toe.
Daniel was better at occupying his time while he waited. Wearing khaki Dockers, white button down shirt and a tweed jacket, he looked far more casual than either Cam or Vala. Daniel hadn't bothered to wear a tie; this was Jack after all.
Daniel looked like the calm, studious academic that he used to be as he waited for Jack. In reality, Daniel's mind was fully engaged in a study of Vala out of the corner of his eye. Although Vala appeared outwardly confident, Daniel saw tell tale signs of her nerves and uncertainty, a straighter posture and heightened awareness, as if she would flee at any moment.
Daniel thought she looked elegant and toned down, at least for Vala, dressed in a grey tweed pencil dress that ended a modest two inches above her knees. The dress would have been conservative except that the middle of the dress consisted of a wide chocolate brown leather corset like belt laced tightly. The wide belt ended underneath her breasts, where it accentuated them by strategically ending in a dip under each breast before undulating to a slightly higher point between them. The tweed cloth of the dress formed the low bodice covering the swell of her breasts. The smooth pale flesh of Vala's neck, clavicle and a bit of cleavage were on view. The dress was made more conservative by the addition of a matching chocolate leather bolero jacket.
Vala had adorned her legs in almost invisible fishnet hosiery and four inch black Mary Jane high heels. She was wearing her hair loose down her shoulders. Her make up looked clean and natural, with only red lipstick to stand out.
Daniel snapped out of his reverie as Jack walked out of his office.
"Vala, you're looking well," Jack greeted and held out his hand.
"Thanks," Vala smiled and shook Jack's hand.
"Cam, how you doing," Jack turned offering Cam his hand.
"Fine sir; and you," Cam replied shaking the hand Jack offered.
"Oh can't complain," Jack said absently.
"Daniel," Jack said putting a hand on Daniel's back. He thought Daniel looked tired, and he really didn't like the thunder clouds storming behind Daniel's eyes.
"Jack," Daniel replied releasing some of his tension into the name, you better fix this Jack, you better fix this or I will fix it myself.
"Daniel buddy, you seem a little tense." Jack replied, but his tone said not like you to get this worked up.
"Jack," Daniel replied with a restrained gush of air; don't mess with me, just fix this.
"Come on in," Jack invited.
They all walked into Jack's conference room. Jack immediately went to the coffee pot and poured two cups of coffee. "Cam and Vala do you want coffee?"
They both shook their heads no as Jack walked back and sat the extra cup of coffee in front of Daniel without saying a word.
"Thanks," Daniel said.
"So Vala, what's got Daniel so worked up," Jack asked her.
Vala opened her mouth to answer when Daniel interrupted with one word, "Woolsey."
Vala closed her mouth without saying a word.
Jack turned to Daniel, "He doesn't still want to kill ya does he?"
Daniel opened his mouth to answer when Cameron interrupted, "No he wants to steal his girl."
Daniel closed his mouth and glared at Cam.
"Oh," Jack smirked and looked at Vala.
Vala remained silent opting to study Jack's reactions as Cam ran down the IOA situation.
"So, Woolsey and the IOA are being their usual pains in the ass. What's new," Jack commented sardonically.
Vala's stomach lurched. Was Jack going to be exactly like Landry?
"They're being short-sighted as usual. They don't seem to understand the tactical advantages we'll be losing in order to risk Vala on their bullshit," Daniel said vehemently with his fists clenched.
Vala looked over at the controlled anger and emotion of Daniel's statement, surprised and flattered in turn.
"Jack, Vala has been an extremely valuable asset to this government, the SGC and to me," Daniel began his testimonial. "She had a rocky start with us, but she's proven herself again and again." Daniel smiled at Vala.
"She's bought us time and tactical advantages against the Ori by destroying their beachhead; by finding a way to warn us about their invasion through the second beachhead; and by helping to neutralize Adria – and that wasn't easy for her, Jack. She's managed to convince Tomin that the Ori invasion of this galaxy is wrong – and her relationship with him could yield other tactical advantages in the future." Daniel didn't like playing the Tomin card, but he was pulling out all the stops on this one.
"Her contacts in the galaxy are valuable too. She has a network of operatives that she makes available to us. It's the reason we had a ship to use when the Lucian Alliance attacked the Odyssey. If we hadn't had Vala's help procuring a ship, we might not have found Sam in time Jack. At great personal expense, she saved Sam from the Lucian Alliance a second time at Danter City. The information and connections she has off world will continue to be valuable." Daniel looked down at Vala, but she was looking at her hands in her lap.
Daniel continued extolling Vala's skills and talents, gesturing wildly for emphasis from time to time. Cam and Jack were looking at each other in amusement and surprise at the length of Daniel's impassioned recitation.
"She's also a valuable member of SG-1. She's brave, resourceful and she thinks outside of the box. She's got an intuitive flair for fixing technology that has proven vital on more than one occasion."
Completely lost in his words, Daniel startled to awareness and reddened as he saw the looks on the two men's faces. He reddened further as he saw the wide eyes and brilliant smile Vala graced him with at the conclusion of his tirade.
"Yes, yes, papa bear we get it." Cam smiled.
"Daniel," Jack said in an amused voice with a raised eyebrow
"He likes me," Vala pointed her thumb towards Daniel and winked at Jack.
Jack laughed, "Well he's at least adopted you as a cause."
"No, he likes me," Vala grinned as Daniel's face turned a little redder.
Vala looked directly at Daniel and patted his hand, "Darling, what a wonderful speech, and all too, too true. And while I am very flattered by Daniel's testimonial, and I am sure Cameron would second that testimonial -- at least some of it," Vala turned to Cameron who nodded, "I rather doubt any of it is enough if the IOA insists on cutting the funds for my position at the SGC. And, it seems to me that your Mr. Woolsey is fully committed to making trouble. So, it's just a matter of time. What's that saying you have about borrowing time?"
"Well you know Vala the IOA doesn't have final say at the SGC that privilege rests with me," Jack enlightened.
"Right!" Vala smiled at Jack, "But the IOA holds a big part of the purse funds for the SGC, so in a sense they do have a very definite final say. Aren't you boys tired of all these little lawn battles with the IOA?"
Cam and Jack exchange confused looks.
"She means turf wars," Daniel told them with a grin.
Vala clarified, "Aren't you tired of fighting all these little battles for control with the IOA?"
Jack shrugged, "Comes with the territory."
Vala nodded, "But wouldn't it be nice to have a source of funds for the SGC that would eliminate the need for the IOA?"
Jack gave Vala a resigned "what can you do" shrug.
"Outside of your little planet's penchant for paper currency, this galaxy runs on a currency called naquedah. Daniel tells me that your government has naquedah mining contracts with the Unas. That can't yield much naquedah. It probably doesn't even cover your government's own needs."
"Well, we've managed, but you're right, the supply isn't as much as we'd like," Jack told her. "And I just got word from the White House that the Unas may reduce the naquedah supply now that the Goa'uld have been defeated," Jack told them all.
"I haven't heard anything like that," Daniel said. It wasn't good news, but he secretly thanked the Unas for their excellent timing on delivering this bad news.
Vala looked at Jack and asked, "Is it possible that your Mr. Woolsey and his IOA have heard about that?"
"I'd say so," Jack replied.
"I'm going to take a guess that before the Unas, you had made unsuccessful efforts to obtain naquedah through the Tok'ra, and maybe the Jaffa, right?" Vala asked.
"Yeah," all three men replied again. Jack and Daniel were looking at Cameron giving him a "how would you know" look.
"I read the files," Cam gave his standard answer.
"Well there are other options gentlemen," Vala said as she smiled widely at the three men. "I can introduce you to a few planets that might be looking to form new trade partnerships and probably not too anxious to deal with any new Lucian Alliance leadership," Vala explained. "And naquedah can be a source of funding for the SGC."
"And we're just hearing about this now," Jack looked at Daniel pointedly.
Daniel just shrugged his shoulders.
She continued, "Well if the SGC could be funded, at least partially through naquedah mining, wouldn't that mean the IOA's purse wouldn't be so all important?"
"I like this girl, Daniel," Jack smiled.
"She's very likable, Jack," Daniel grinned.
"So Jack, do you think your government might be interested in an increased supply of naquedah," Vala asked.
"Oh, I'd say so Vala." Jack grinned at Daniel, "Daniel, mind if I steal Vala here for a couple of days?"
"Uh, actually, I do. I'm sitting in on these meetings, Jack," Daniel told him firmly without further explanation.
Vala placed a warning hand on Daniel and said seriously, "Darling, I promise to behave myself, and I'm sure Jack here will steer me out of any little pitfalls with your government."
In truth, Vala had mixed feelings about Daniel participating in the negotiations. She thought she was becoming entirely too dependent on Daniel. And he sometimes treated her like she was a child. Sometimes she didn't mind, maybe she'd even encouraged it, but on a professional level it was infuriating. After all when she'd met Daniel she was in complete control and had even kicked his ass. As much as she valued Daniel's opinion and presence, she had the most experience when it came to these kinds of negotiations. And, Vala liked how it felt to hold the reigns of her destiny.
There was also the matter of several items yet to be discussed, risks she'd need to take and advantages she wanted to secure. Vala hadn't brought them up for discussion yet. And, she was pretty sure that Daniel would not like those parts of her deal.
"I'll tell you what Daniel. Why don't you and Jack pick out a nice representative to help me with the deal," Vala suggested.
"I'm staying Vala," Daniel said firmly, furrowing his brows at her and folding his arms.
"Me too Princess," Cam seconded.
Vala crossed her arms over her chest and rolled her eyes. "Fine," she huffed, but I'd like a couple of hours alone with Jack, and that's not negotiable understood?"
"Better watch out Danny boy; Vala wants to be alone with me," Jack smirked.
"Jack, did I mention that Sam and I have a regular girl's night out, with alcohol," Vala winked at Jack out of the sight line of Cam.
"Uh, no, no you didn't," Jack mumbled quietly as Daniel let out a laugh at Vala's subtle defense of him.
"So what do you say boys, how about if Jack and I join you in a bit for happy hour at that little bar we saw around the corner," Vala asked.
Daniel was reluctant, but Jack gave him a nod to push off and since nothing was going in writing today, he acquiesced. Daniel stood, signaling that he'd agreed to Vala's terms. Passing by her, Daniel gripped both of Vala's shoulders, leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Be good."
Vala looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes and whispered, "Aren't I always darling?"
Daniel did a bit of a double take at the audacity of her answer. "No dear, you aren't." He gave her a smug smile as she folded her arms in a huff.
Daniel reserved his last behave glance for Jack and then he followed Cameron out of the office.
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Yackity Yack with Jack
"What have you done to Danny," Jack asked Vala with a smirk. "That's the most worked up I've seen him in a long, long time."
Vala smiled and shrugged, "Oh, I don't know, he doesn't seem all that worked up to me, I think I'm losing my touch."
"Yeah right Lady," Jack raised an eyebrow, "So what couldn't we discuss in front of the kids?"
"Jack, have you given any thought to why all of a sudden the IOA would want me working for them and out of the SGC?" Vala gave a little shudder. Vala suspected that Woolsey had read Daniel's over-inclusive mission reports about her. But, she wasn't going to say that to Jack.
"I've been asking myself that question too," Jack admitted.
"I think the IOA wants to establish some autonomy from your government when it comes to acquisitions of off world technology, maybe even establish their own off world allies outside of SGC protocols. I think the IOA has decided to reactivate me in my old lines of work as a thief, smuggler of weapons and facilitator of alliances," Vala said.
"Yeah, that's possible," Jack told her. In truth, Jack suspected that Woolsey might have gotten some ideas from Daniel's mission reports on Vala. Daniel had never trained himself to write a sparse mission report. But, Jack wasn't going to suggest that idea to Vala.
"Well however the IOA came to its decision to try and dislodge me from the SGC, they seem pretty serious." Vala told Jack, "I've seen enough of your Mr. Woolsey and the IOA to know that they aren't very reliable in a crisis. And whatever they have in mind as covert projects, I doubt they'll run them very smart. From what I've witnessed, an association with the IOA will not be good for my chances of long term survival."
"Well that's true enough," Jack agreed with Vala.
"I'd like to avoid death by IOA," Vala told him earnestly. "Look Jack, I'm sure you can buy me some time with these naquedah contacts, but since I already thought my deeds and actions over the last year were enough to secure my permanent position at the SGC, I'm not sure this information protects me long term."
"If you want citizenship, I can arrange that," Jack assured her.
"Look Jack, it seems like the IOA thinks it has a pretty good shot at eliminating my position at the SGC and controlling me by threatening my freedom and other privileges on your planet. Do you really think citizenship can protect me from that?"
Jack sat silent for a moment, "Well give me a little credit here lady. I'll make sure your deal is permanent."
"Like Daniel did the first go around," Vala asked quietly.
"Look Vala, you can't blame Daniel. This kind of thing doesn't come with any guarantees. You're an alien, so you don't have any rights anywhere on the planet; you started off with us by committing a crime; and, you came to us the second time as the mother of the Ori leader. Daniel did the best that he could," Jack said looking at her pointedly.
"I'm not blaming Daniel, not exactly anyway. But your best won't mean much if I'm dead Jack," Vala glared at him. "And what happens in two or three years, when this information is old news and the IOA tries this again? Right now there are power vacuums which we can use to our advantage. Right now, I have options; I might be able to work out a better deal with your government. If I allow more time to pass, give you guys my best contacts and information, what's to stop your government, or the next one after your elections, from simply forgetting my good deeds and handing me over to the IOA?" Vala looked at Jack as she spoke.
"You're right; there are no guarantees here Vala. But the naquedah mining contacts will put the IOA on the back burner," Jack sighed in exasperation. "Daniel would never forgive me for if I let you make a bunch of risky offers to our government that put you in danger."
"And if I don't make those offers, I'll be far more vulnerable the next time the IOA decides to yank me out of the SGC," Vala said softly.
Jack saw her point and nodded his head, "Run it down for me Vala."
"I'd like to keep my position at the SGC Jack. And I think the only way I'm going to do that is to run some covert missions. It's the best way to quickly increase my value to your government. And, I'd rather run those missions for you. I'd rather have someone who will listen to my assessment of risks. And in exchange, I'd like some concessions from your government, including a permanent guaranteed SG-1 position," Vala said plainly.
"What kind of covert missions," Jack asked.
"Well the untimely demise of the Lucian Alliance leadership has left a power vacuum, Jack." Vala began.
"Yeah, I would have sent a wreath, but . . ." Jack quipped.
Vala gave him a confused look, but grinned at him anyway. "Right now the Alliance consists of warring factions. Lots of in-fighting and power struggles among potential leaders. All this turmoil probably means that some Alliance members aren't getting what they were promised. I believe I can find and exploit those weaknesses," Vala looked at Jack studying him.
"Well Vala, you've got my attention," Jack said cautiously.
"Most of the Alliance's naquedah supply is controlled by smuggling chains currently under the control of the warring factions. That spells an opportunity to me." Vala continued, "The Lucian Alliance's stock piles of weapon's grade naquedah are vast and as ripe for liberation as they will ever be. And Jack, I'm probably the only woman allied with your little planet that has the expertise and network of informants and smugglers to exploit those Alliance weaknesses." Vala smiled a bit seductively.
"And if we play our cards right, we might even be able to influence the outcome of the Alliance turf war," Vala smiled as she used the correct Tau'ri expression.
Jack wondered if Daniel knew just how good a strategist he had delivered into the hands of the American military. He doubted that American tactical advantage was Daniel's primary goal when he gave his impassioned speech earlier this afternoon.
"Vala that's a tempting idea; we can look into it," Jack told Vala giving her a serious look.
"Didn't Sam report to your government that Earth had 'declared war on the Lucian Alliance'?" Vala questioned.
"She did," Jack responded.
"The Lucian Alliance has shown a great deal of hostility towards the Tau'ri. I don't think that's going to change in spite of their current power struggle," Vala told him. Once these Alliance factions have settled under a new leader, the Alliance will turn its attention back to targeting SGC off world operations. And, I don't know about you, but I'm not thrilled at the idea of the Alliance having all that weapons grade naquedah available to play with."
"No, I'm not either," Jack agreed.
"Jack, any intelligence that I give to you would only be good until some outsider you sent started snooping around. I'm suggesting taking action to destabilize select factions of the Lucian Alliance and liberate a considerable amount of stock piled weapons grade naquedah in the process," Vala explained.
Jack nodded, understanding the problem and where that put them. "Well I had to suggest the information only route so I could tell Daniel that I tried it."
"Well, you can explain the big picture to Daniel. Besides, I don't want to wonder every night if the IOA is coming to lock me up until I do their bidding. Jack, if I wanted to live like that, I'd go back to my old life." Vala looked Jack in the eye to let him know she was serious. "Besides, Earth could put all that lovely naquedah to use: energy, Ori, Goa'uld, lots of uses. And raiding that stock pile means that Earth will have an ample supply of naquedah now and not in a year or two when new mining operations are finally under way." Vala reasoned.
"Well Vala you make a lot of sense," Jack said, again impressed with how well thought out Vala's approach had been. "Does Daniel know just how good you are?"
"That's a good question, Jack," Vala grinned. "That's a very good question. So Jack, if I were able to provide a stock pile of naquedah, would your President consider some concessions that I want in exchange," Vala produced a brilliant toothy grin to accompany her question.
"Oh here it comes; you're good lady," Jack laughed, and then added with a cautious smile, "So Vala what do you want?"
"Welllll," Vala drawled, "of course I'll need the operational funds, personnel and equipment to pull this off."
"Oh, well that goes without saying." Jack smiled.
"And, on that note Jack, I think I'd like your personal assistance in at least planning this little project," Vala gave him a wink.
Jack raised his eyebrows and smirked, "Well I was gonna suggest that anyway."
"Alright, before we get to mission planning, shall we talk about what else your government will need to do to win their autonomy from the IOA," Vala asked.
"Before we talk about that, I think you should know that the IOA, or at least Russia, which is a part of the IOA, holds more cards than just funding."
"What do you mean Jack,' Vala asked with a look of confusion.
"Russia owns the Stargate we're using at the SGC, and Woolsey is a big part of Russia's eyes and ears at the SGC," Jack told her.
Vala's eyes became wide. "That's bad Jack. It seems to me that you're government would concede almost anything, including me, to keep the Stargate at the SGC."
"Yeah, it's a problem. A big problem and it periodically causes my government to yield to Russian pressure and make concessions," Jack agreed. "Last time this came up, the Russians' got a space ship."
Vala sat contemplating the problem and Jack saw the wheels turning in her head.
"My plan doesn't work nearly as well if we can't get IOA influences out of the SGC," Vala said slowly.
Vala sat quietly. "Didn't Baal discover a way to steal Stargates?"
"Yes," Jack answered.
"And perhaps Sam can work out how that was done," Vala asked.
"She's done that already," Jack told her.
"Then we're either going to have to liberate a Stargate one from a hostile planet or we're going to harvest one off an uninhabited planet," Vala told him.
"You want to steal a Stargate," Jack looked at her incredulously.
"Only if we have to Jack," Vala told him. "I'd prefer to harvest one off an uninhabited planet."
"Yeah, well that could take some time to figure out," Jack said.
"I don't know; Daniel's spent quite a bit of time on Qetesh's data bases. There's probably information on some planets that were abandoned due to her excesses," Vala told him.
"We can go back to Quotan and look for information on that. Maybe send some teams out on routine missions to check the planets out. Then if we come up with a good candidate, I can go on a covert mission and harvest the gate. You can keep it under wraps for a rainy day. That ought to greatly reduce the influence of the IOA don't you think?"
"That would do it yes," Jack grinned at her.
"I can't make any guarantees until I've checked Qetesh's data and perhaps talked to a few of my contacts, but we might be able to sweeten the proposal with a couple of spare Stargates. We'll probably need Samantha to pull this off when the time comes."
"Whatever locations you come up with, I'll want you to write a report. You can leave it with Daniel until you're satisfied with the deal," Jack instructed.
Vala nodded.
"Vala, you're right for the most part. The IOA power comes from holding the purse strings and whatever influence it exerts over Russia. Right now we have to keep Russia happy with the status quo to keep their Stargate at the SGC. Vala you get me a Stargate or two and I can sell getting rid of, or at least significantly reducing, the IOA role at the SGC," Jack said.
Vala smiled at Jack enthusiastically.
"You know finding a Stargate and getting it back to the SGC is a long shot right," Jack asked Vala.
"No Jack, I only know that it's a necessity," Vala replied.
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What's the Deal?
"Alright, spell it out, what are your services going to set Uncle Sam back," Jack smirked giving her the hurry up hand gesture by turning his palm up and motioning with his fingers.
"Uncle who? Oh, yes, your government," Vala said as she got the reference, though she really wished these Tau'ri would stick to one name.
"Well, I've laid everything out in this proposal," Vala said as she handed Jack a two page proposal.
"You wrote a proposal," Jack raised his eyebrows at Vala in surprise.
"Jack, some of these items could be considered negotiable to a point, though I don't see that happening if I'm providing your government with Stargates on top of naquedah. But, there are a couple of items that I must have, I believe you call them deal breakers," Vala smiled, but her eyes were serious.
"I assume Danny hasn't seen this proposal? He doesn't know about your high risk mission to rip off Lucian Alliance naquedah," Jack questioned.
"No he doesn't, Jack, and I'd like to keep it that way. I'm pretty sure he would see this proposal as falling back on my old ways," Vala pursed her lips nervously.
"Alright we'll have to talk about that. First, let's have a look at this proposal," Jack said, as he began to quietly read it.
Vala sat quietly biting her lower lip and watching Jack read.
Jack finished, looked up and whistled, "You like to think big, don't ya, Vala?"
"Jack, I personally think it's all very reasonable considering what I'm offering and what I'll be risking," Vala said emphatically.
Jack eyed her carefully before going back to the proposal and reading aloud, "First item, 'Immunity from all crimes for Vala Mal Doran, including any charges arising from the theft of the Prometheus.' Well, that's reasonable," Jack told her.
"Second, 'American citizenship and unrestricted access to Earth for Vala Mal Doran and Teal'c of Chulak'; well, T will appreciate you thinking of him I'm sure," Jack laughed.
"Yes, I'm quite fond of Muscles. And, I'm quite fond of my freedom, which has been sorely lacking for a very long time, Jack," Vala told him with a raised eyebrow.
"Personally, I don't see it as a problem, considering we've had crazy aliens, hostile Goa'ulds and Jaffa traipsing about on Earth for a few years now," Jack commented.
Vala was surprised and wondered why Daniel had not arranged more freedom for her if his government did not care about these constraints.
"Third item, 'a permanent contract for Vala Mal Doran and all SG-1 team members securing SG-1 positions at the SGC; that's a good thought, but probably not necessary since no one is looking to replace SG-1 right now," Jack commented.
"You're kidding right Jack? Budget cuts, remember," Vala replied.
Jack looked up at her and nodded.
"Fourth item, 'The US Government shall guarantee permanent SGC operational funding at current levels of total funding, with annual increases of 5 to 10'; Christmas will come early for the SGC," Jack laughed again.
"Will it be a problem to obtain that agreement from your government," Vala asked nervously.
"Well it will probably require some closed sessions of Congress; an executive order as well as some redirection of some funds, but for weapon's grade naquedah and a Russian free Stargate, I think everybody will be on board, provided you can deliver Vala," Jack warned.
Vala gave Jack a serious and determined look, and with a nod of her head, she told him, "I can deliver, Jack, if I couldn't, you and I wouldn't be talking."
"Alright, moving on, fifth item, 'establishment and permanent funding of the Daniel Jackson Center for Off World Archeological Exploration'; and I see you have Daniel directing all funding, project selection decisions, exploration and continued studies for his Foundation," Jack smiled as he studied Vala.
Vala got up from her chair, suddenly uncomfortable under Jack's scrutiny.
"Vala this is a dream come true for Danny boy; you're like Santa Claus," Jack grinned at Vala who had walked to the window. She turned and gave him a confused look.
"You know, the jolly fat man that hands out toys to good little boys and girls at Christmas. Didn't you celebrate Christmas last year? Have Daniel explain it." Jack gave up with a wave. "Oh, and I see you're suggesting Daniel's little center will either be a branch of the SGC or a separate entity at his direction. Vala you think of everything."
"Jack, those items concerning Daniel's work," Vala walked back to Jack's desk, leaned over the edge and said, "They're not negotiable."
Jack raised an eyebrow, but Vala folded her arms and held his eyes.
"Can I ask you why you care what happens with Daniel's work," Jack said with no small amount of curiosity in his eyes.
"You can ask me Jack. Doesn't mean I'm going to tell you," Vala smirked.
Jack gave her a look that indicated he wasn't going to discuss anything else until she answered his question.
Vala began pacing, "I've heard too many stories of how your government has impeded Daniel's archeological pursuits. That senator last year told Daniel that the Stargate program didn't exist to satisfy Daniel's curiosity. After all the results Daniel's work has produced! How stupid!" Vala fumed in indignation on behalf of Daniel.
"Daniel's sacrificed, he's contributed so much, and still he has to listen to people like Woolsey belittle his work and try to control him because of money and power. No more," Vala said seriously.
Jack held back his smirk. The impassioned defense he had seen Daniel make for Vala was returned in Vala's defense of Daniel's work.
"You know Vala, sometimes it's healthy to impede Daniel. He can get carried away in his work – his enthusiasm for ancient cultures can be a little dangerous," Jack cautioned her.
"Well human curiosity is natural, and aren't we all a little dangerous Jack?" Vala gave him an earnest look before she walked back to her chair and sat down.
"Vala that tells me why it's great for Daniel, but it doesn't tell me why you're including it in these negotiations. It doesn't tell me why you'd give my government such a big bargaining chip to reduce all the other advantages, including personal compensation, just so Daniel will be able to fund his work."
"Well, Daniel would be on Atlantis if it wasn't for me. He certainly complains about it enough. That was his dream, and he doesn't have that because of my actions. I don't think I'll ever be able to make that up to him. But I can give him a form of professional autonomy that he's never had."
This deal will mean he can continue his work and not have to worry about money." Vala explained pensively, "And it means that if the SGC gets too controlling, Daniel has the option of severing those ties and doing the research on his own."
"And," Jack coaxed.
Vala bit her lower lip and said, "Daniel believed in me when logic would tell him not to take that risk. And, in spite of his frequently repeated opinion that I am a pain in the ass, Daniel made sure I had a place at the SGC at least to the best of his abilities. The man has literally saved my life Jack in more ways than one." Vala looked embarrassed as she continued quietly and sincerely, "I don't think I'll ever be in another situation where I can thank him in any significant way for what he's done for me."
Jack nodded, and let out a deep breath. He was pretty sure that Vala had no idea how much she had just told him about her feelings for Daniel and about herself.
Vala looked ill at ease, and now that Jack knew how deeply she cared about the welfare of a certain archeologist, Jack all of a sudden felt a great affection and kinship for her. Hoping to put her back at ease, Jack grinned, "Well Vala, I don't know, Daniel might have a few ideas on other ways you can say thank you."
"This is Daniel we're talking about Jack," Vala rolled her eyes. "Believe me I've tried to thank him in other ways," she added in a seductive tone.
"Well you could always just send him a gift certificate or a fruit basket maybe," Jack deadpanned.
"Jack," Vala said in the tone she'd heard Daniel use with him when he wanted to scold him for messing around.
"Vala," Jack said in the tone he always used to reply to Daniel's tone.
Vala grinned at him.
"Okay moving on, sixth item, 'Reciprocal signing bonuses for all SG-1 team members,'" Jack looked up at her again. "You're quite a team player underneath that rogue exterior aren't ya, Vala?"
"I blame Daniel, Jack," Vala laughed and shrugged about her own confusion at including the rest of SG-1 in the rewards for this endeavor.
"Alright, seventh item, 'an annual 5 finder's fee for all naquedah supplies you secure,'" Jack looked at her with a big smile and said in a sardonic tone, "Well, now I feel a little better, knowing you're taking care of yourself."
"A girl's gotta do, what a girl's gotta do, Jack," Vala gave him a firm head bob.
"Eighth item, 'further bonuses and monies to be negotiated for future additional acquisition and trade projects,'" Jack read with a raised eyebrow.
"Such as the spare Stargates," Vala explained.
"Ninth, 'lifetime access to Earth's Stargate for all SG-1 members, past and present,'" Jack shook his head.
"I just want it spelled out that no one gets to decide whether I can leave this little planet or not. I should have the right to leave, Jack," Vala looked at him with some frustration in her eyes.
"Tenth, 'Acquisition of space craft, built to Vala Mal Doran's specifications. Craft shall be owned outright by Vala Mal Doran, but on loan to the US Government for the use of SG-1, at the discretion of Vala Mal Doran, or in her absence, her proxy, Daniel Jackson." Jack gave Vala a look that told her this one went too far.
"Look Jack, if you expect me to go on missions for you, I'm going to need a ship and, I'm going to need that ship to perform at a certain level, and, if I ever leave your little Stargating club, I'll want to take it with me," Vala told him firmly.
"Now that will be a hard sell," Jack told her.
"Jack, the Russians got a space craft just for loaning you their Stargate. I'm going to arrange for your government to own a Stargate," Vala told him folding her arms in a "you've got to be kidding me" gesture.
Jack raised his eyebrows and said nothing.
"You have to understand something Jack, when I do these missions for your government, I move from someone that can go undetected to a whole new level among the more colorful elements of our galaxy. I'm going to need to be able to protect myself and the people traveling with me. Understand?"
Jack let out an explosive sigh. "Alright Vala, some of the things you're asking for will take time, but I think most of this stuff is doable given what you're promising to deliver. Frankly, the biggest sticking points will be your liberation of Daniel from under the thumb of the SGC, and of course, the ship," Jack admitted.
Vala nodded but said nothing.
"There is one little problem, with your plan, Vala," Jack added.
"Oh," Vala raised a questioning eyebrow.
"Well, if you had talked to Daniel about any of this, he would have locked you up in the hotel room rather than let you come here today. Daniel's going to need to know about your whole deal here before we finalize it." Jack gave Vala a serious look to let her know he meant business.
"Why," Vala asked, confusion clearly written on her face.
"Well for one thing, he's insisting on being here tomorrow. Second, he's the best judge of what terms will be necessary to make any deal concerning the autonomy of his work ironclad and functional. And, most importantly, Daniel's not the kind of guy you spring stuff like this on at the last minute," Jack advised her.
Jack could see the wheels spinning in Vala's head as she worked the angles on how to avoid discussing the matter with Daniel.
"Can't we ask Daniel how to make his work autonomous without telling him about the deal," Vala suggested in her best purr.
"Don't try that on me Vala; it's not going to work." Jack got up from his desk and stood in front of Vala's chair so that she couldn't avoid his gaze.
"Daniel is one of my closest friends Vala, and I think he's one of your closest friends too. He will not appreciate two of his close friends making an end run around him on this thing. I guess what I'm telling you Vala, is I won't do that to Daniel, and I'm not letting you do that either lady. We can't go forward on this deal until you bring Daniel up to speed. And, it has to be done tonight."
Vala was looking at Jack like he was insane. She'd really been hoping to avoid having Daniel yell at her about falling back on her old ways, risks, greed, self dealing or whatever else he would inevitably decide was wrong with the idea.
Vala looked at Jack nervously, "What if he says no? What will you do then Jack? Because I won't do this deal without the Daniel bits, do you understand me Jack, even if Daniel tells me he doesn't want them. Do you understand?"
"Yes Vala, and why don't you let me worry about that," Jack told her.
"Alright Jack. I'll leave that to you. But I want to be clear on this matter. No deal without the Daniel bits. And if we can't work this deal out, I'm either going to be the IOA's puppet, a thought that I find unacceptable, or I'm going to have to part company with all you lovely people and go my own way. And I'll have to do it soon before the IOA gets it in their heads to lock me up. That's not my first choice Jack, but I'm prepared to do it." Vala looked directly at Jack with a determined look to let him know the depth of her intentions.
"Vala no one is talking about not making the deal, I just really think Daniel would rather hear about it before the fact," Jack told her softly.
"Maybe you should be the one to tell him about this Jack. You're one of his oldest friends and his former CO. He'll listen to you," Vala coaxed.
"Daniel will want to hear about this from you. It's your idea after all," Jack told her, suddenly worried by the level of anxiety in Vala's eyes. He wondered if Daniel was aware of the impact his opinion and temper had on Vala.
Vala tried to cover her nerves by rolling her eyes, "I'm not so sure about that."
"Alright Vala, I'll make you a deal. I'll soften Danny up and tell him you need to talk to him. How does that sound," Jack smiled at her encouragingly.
Vala nodded slightly. "I like it, except for the part where I have to talk to him. Well, I think you should buy me a drink before you send me to face the firing squad. What do you say," Vala winked as she recovered her cheery facade.
"Sounds good," Jack told her offering her a hand up.
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Happy Hour
Daniel and Cam sat at a big table at Murphey's, the noisy little bar around the corner from Jack's office. It was your standard run of the mill Washington Irish pub, with a long, dark wood bar and a photo of John F. Kennedy hung in a place of honor above the taps for the kegs. The pub had a distinctly military feel with flags and symbols of the various branches of the armed services. Too late for lunch and too early for happy hour, the pub was deserted except for the bartender.
Cam went to order two beers, while Daniel selected a tall table near a large window. The table was surrounded by five bar stools. The window looked out at the street scene bustling with busy Washington wonks and their helpers.
"So what do you think the Princess had to say to Jack that we couldn't hear," Cam asked as he sat down two beers.
"Oh she wants a year's supply of Victoria's Secret or a key to Fort Knox; I couldn't say Cam," Daniel answered in an annoyed tone. He didn't know and not knowing when it came to Vala made Daniel uneasy.
"At least Vala has taken control of the situation. She might have found a way to cement her position," Cam said before adding with a smirk, "Why so grim Sunshine? You disappointed not to be dragging off her off to make babies?"
Daniel gave Cam an exasperated look.
"Jackson, I know you're worried, but you need to lighten up," Cam told him with serious eyes.
When Daniel said nothing more, Cam changed the subject, and the two men slowly eased in to pleasant chit chat. Within an hour, the bar was full of government workers here for happy hour.
Cam was on his cell phone arranging dinner with some of his buddies from flight school that were stationed at the Pentagon. Daniel was watching people go by on the street when he saw Jack walk in holding Vala's elbow like a rudder to steer her through the crowds. It was a simple little gesture, protective and gentlemanly, but it caught Daniel's attention and annoyed him. Why should that bother me Daniel thought.
Vala bounded up to Daniel with a brilliant, but nervous, smile. "Hello darling. Hello Cameron."
"Howdy." Cam mouthed as he finished up his call.
"Nice chat?" Daniel looked suspiciously from Jack to Vala.
"Oh yes, yes, lovely chat," Vala said patting his hand.
"Daniel," Jack smirked, enjoyed my afternoon with your girl Danny.
"Jack," Daniel gave him a slight glare, don't start; don't mess with me.
"Jack, I think you should buy us a round of drinks," Vala said pointing Jack in the direction of the bar.
"Yes dear," Jack smirked, looking at Daniel, she's got you wrapped around her finger and now she's after me. "Cam how about an assist?"
"No problem, sir."
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Jack and Cam worked their way through the crowds to the bar where Jack ordered four beers and four shots of tequila.
"So tell me Cam, what's the deal with those two," Jack asked him pointing his thumb back towards Daniel and Vala.
"Well, in spite of appearances otherwise, they work well together sir," Cameron began. "And I haven't found any better person to assign with Jackson. She's very good at protecting Jackson's six when he's distracted. And, I think Jackson tends to be more alert when Vala is with him."
"So they're good together," Jack questioned.
"I didn't think so at first sir, but I do now, yes sir," Cameron smiled. "Jackson bitches about her, but if she's injured or threatened, he's right there to help her. And she's the same way with him. You saw him today sir."
"Yup, I did," Jack grinned. "And Vala's proven a good resource for you hasn't she," Jack asked Cameron handing him two beers and two shots.
"Yes sir she's been excellent," Cameron said as he took the drinks from Jack.
As they walked back towards the table, they saw Daniel lean closer to Vala. Cameron smirked at Jack, "My grandma always said if you want to know your future, look at how you're acting right now."
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Daniel watched as Vala took her jacket off revealing chocolate brown leather barely there straps holding the dress up. They matched the wide corset belt and jacket. Without the jacket, the décolleté neckline of the dress accented and displayed the milky bare flesh of her shoulders, neck and cleavage.
Daniel followed the progress of Vala's fishnet kissed, high heeled legs as she climbed onto the bar stool next to him and crossed her legs. He was suddenly jolted out of his fixation when he saw Vala was watching him watch her legs.
"Oh Daniel, have I ever told you how adorable you are when you get caught starring at my legs," Vala laughed.
"I wasn't . . . I wasn't doing that," Daniel scowled and sputtered out his denial, reddening as he went.
Vala raised a skeptical eyebrow and gave Daniel a seductive grin that didn't match her friendly pat of his hand as she said, "Of course you weren't darling."
"Anyhoo," Daniel changed the subject making sure to move his hand out of her reach, "How'd your little private chat go with Jack?"
"Oh fine, fine. I learned ever so much about you darling."
"Are you messin' with me? Vala this is serious. Can you be serious?" Daniel furrowed his brow and pushed his glasses back up the bridge of his nose. He sighed to express his deepening impatience and irritation.
"You need a drink, darling. And, I need a drink," Vala smiled her wide signature grin that she used to cover her nerves.
"You're not going to tell me what you talked about are you," Daniel looked at her in serious annoyance now.
Vala leaned towards him and smiled innocently, "Oh, I'm sure you'll get it out of me one way or the other."
Daniel gave her another annoyed look, which seemed to properly chastise her.
"I am going to tell you everything, darling. But I can't very well do that in a noisy, crowded bar now can I?" Vala gave him a wide eyed sweet, pleading look, and put her head on his shoulder, "It's been a very long tense few days Daniel. Can we just take a break from it for a little while darling please?"
Daniel nodded with a sigh as he touched her arm and said, "Vala, I want to help you make this deal, alright?"
"Thank you my Daniel," Vala raised her eyes to meet Daniel's gaze and touched his face, "Seriously thank you for everything."
Daniel smiled at her, "I didn't do anything Vala."
"Oh, I didn't mean to interrupt," Jack smirked from the other side of the table as he handed drinks over to a reddened Daniel. "Vala what have you done to our Daniel?"
"They like this all the time Cam?" Jack called to Cam over his shoulder.
"No, usually there's yelling and sometimes they throw things. They're on their best behavior today sir," Cam joked and rolled his eyes.
"You forgot Jello, Cameron," Vala added. "We eat a lot of Jello, Jack."
"Now that I know something about," Jack joked.
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Cameron had left the bar ten minutes ago to meet up with his friends. Jack and Daniel were watching Vala finish off her fourth tequila shot.
Vala turned to Daniel, "Daniel, are you planning on feeding me dinner? Jack, are you joining us for dinner?"
"Actually Vala, you and Daniel are joining Sam and I for dinner at my place," Jack smiled.
Vala's eyes lit up at the mention of Sam. "When's Sam coming?"
"I'm going to pick her up in a bit. Right now, I'll drop you guys off at your hotel, and we'll see you at 1900 at the house," Jack instructed.
"Jack, you can drop Daniel off, I saw a shop I'd like to stop at, and I feel like a bit of a walk," Vala said.
"You want to walk in those shoes," Daniel gave her an incredulous look.
"Yes darling, it's not a problem," Vala smiled as she rose and held out her hands for Daniel to hand over her things.
"I can go with you, Vala," Daniel said.
"That's not necessary. Why don't you let Jack drive you back and you two can catch up a bit? You see me all the time," Vala smiled at him.
"I see way too much of you, but I'm still coming with you," Daniel insisted firmly with a worried, determined look.
Vala rolled her eyes, as she argued, "Daniel it's only a few blocks. Besides, I'd like a few minutes by myself darling. You'll just be unhappy waiting around for me in the shop," Vala told him.
"She's right Daniel," Jack shrugged.
Vala gave them a wave and quickly left the bar. She'd only gotten a few feet down the sidewalk when she felt a hand on her arm.
"Vala, I want to hear some details on your meeting with Jack," Daniel protested.
"Darling, go with Jack, and then we'll talk later after dinner. Let me have a little time before we talk," Vala smiled as she allowed the four shots of tequila to smooth her nerves.
"Look, I don't want you making any grandiose promises that put you in harm's way," Daniel looked at her with worried eyes.
Vala looked up at Daniel with wildness in her eyes; a look he hadn't seen since they're first encounter on the Prometheus. She grabbed his arms and shook him, "Life is risky Daniel. I'm willing to risk and fight for what you've given me at the SGC. I want you to know that. And, I'm willing to take some risks to make sure that you have everything you need to be happy, Daniel." She said more softly.
"Wh-what?" Daniel looked at her with confusion.
"Daniel," Vala purred leaning in and putting her arms around him, "Jack's waiting for you. Let's talk about this later like you promised."
"Vala I want to know," Daniel continued.
"Darling, have I told you how delicious you look and feel today?" Vala wriggled slightly, snuggling a little closer to Daniel as people on the street swirled around them.
Daniel knew Vala was flirting with him to embarrass him off the subject. Funny thing was, he wasn't embarrassed by it. If anything, he leaned into Vala's bare shoulders a little more until he began to feel unsettled with the stir of excitement in his stomach and pulled away.
Daniel tapped her on the chin and told her, "You're a fruitcake complete with the dousing in excessive alcohol."
"Danny, if you're done mauling Vala, let's go," Jack called from the doorway of the bar.
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Driving Dr. Jackson Crazy
Jack and Daniel were in the government issued white sedan that Jack used when he was in Washington. Daniel was staring out the window as Jack pulled onto the street from the government lot.
"So Daniel, your Vala is turning out to be full of surprises," Jack began.
"Well, I wouldn't call her mine," Daniel protested.
Jack snorted and gave Daniel a look, "After that tender scene?"
"That was Vala, not me," Daniel protested.
"Actually, I was talking about your passionate defense of her in my office today," Jack laughed.
Daniel fumed, "I'm not interested in Vala!"
"Does Vala know that you're not interested in her," Jack asked him wondering if Daniel realized how full of it he really was.
"Yes!"
"Buddy, to the outside observer, you look interested, in fact, you look beyond interested," Jack warned.
Daniel began pinching the bridge of his nose and opted to ignore Jack's comment in favor of asking a question, "What did Vala surprise you with?"
"I may have to hire Vala to run war games with the Joint Chiefs," Jack quipped.
"Uh, huh; what did you two talk about," Daniel questioned.
"Well Vala thinks the IOA wants her back out on the pirating trail. She thinks they want her criminal skills and contacts for procurement of technology, maybe hooking the up with some allies of their own outside of the SGC."
Daniel felt like someone had punched him in the gut. He'd just spent the better part of two years trying to protect Vala and helping her turn her life around. Now the IOA wanted her to go right back to her old ways.
"She's not a fan of Woolsey and the IOA. I guess she took offense when they tried to kill you Danny. And, she doesn't think putting her life in the IOA hands is such a hot idea. I agree with her on that one."
"Yeah," Daniel said, "me too."
"So we're all in agreement on that one," Jack nodded as he slowed the car at a stop light. "She's also not convinced that the naquedah mining contacts are enough to protect her against the IOA's interest. Daniel, I'm sorry to say that I think she's right about that too."
"Oh, come on Jack, we have to be able to do something," Daniel said incredulous at Jack seemingly throwing in the towel.
"With the IOA funding playing such a big role at the SGC, there's too much at stake, without a deal if the IOA pushes, our government will likely let them take Vala. And, she tells me that if it's a choice between working for the IOA and being back out on her own, she's going it alone."
Daniel let out a jagged breath. He'd figured Vala would leave before she'd work with the IOA. The situation felt more real hearing the words come out of Jack's mouth.
Daniel spoke slowly as if he were feeling his way cautiously through his words, "I'm not going to let that happen to her. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"No Daniel, I don't really understand what you're saying. What about you, do you know what you're saying," Jack asked him.
"I'm saying if I can't secure Vala's position with the SGC on a permanent basis, I'm not letting her go back to her old life. Jack, I'll leave with her. We'll go work with the Jaffa High Council. Or I'll find us another situation," Daniel told him with a clenched jaw.
Jack whistled. "You'd do that for Vala, Daniel? You'd leave your life, all your research and all your friends?"
"Yes, I would Jack," Daniel said.
"You'd do that for the woman you just got finished telling me you have no romantic interest in? Can I ask why Daniel," Jack questioned.
"Because I told her she had a home here Jack. She believed me, and if I can't provide that home, I'm not letting her go back to her old ways," Daniel said with resolve.
"Have you asked Vala what she thinks of your idea Daniel," Jack inquired.
"Not in so many words. Mitchell and I discussed it as a possibility and Vala was sitting there listening. But no, she and I haven't discussed it."
"The two of you are really into noble sacrifice in the cause of the other," Jack smiled widely at Daniel.
"What," Daniel asked confused.
"Well don't go throwing your coat across the puddle yet Danny Vala had some big ideas about how to keep the IOA out of her hair on a more permanent basis. In fact, Vala's ideas might keep the IOA out of the SGC's hair too." Jack glanced over at Daniel who suddenly looked even tenser.
"Why isn't Vala telling me all this," Daniel asked in an irritated voice.
"Vala's going to tell you about it tonight. She just needed the time to work up the nerve," Jack told him.
"I meant why am I hearing about this proposal after she's presented it to you," Daniel asked with irritation evident in his voice.
"Hey buddy, you know her a lot better than I do. My guess is that she's a little overwhelmed that she might not have a place at the SGC. She doesn't want to come right out and say something you told her – something that she was counting on – might not be true. I think she's afraid to hurt your feelings and afraid you'll disapprove of the proposal she's put together to fight this situation. You do yell at her quite a bit buddy," Jack said softly.
"I do not," Daniel yelled.
"You do," Jack told him, "And Sam says so too. Sam also says that Vala is a lot more sensitive when it comes to you than you might think. Daniel she cares about what you think of her."
"What I say to Vala goes in one ear and out of the other," Daniel said with a huff.
"Look, when she talks to you about this stuff, try to keep your calm. You're not going to like everything she has to say, hell you might not like any of it, but keep an open mind," Jack told him. "And, Daniel, I think her proposal is workable; it's not without risk, but it is workable."
"Such as," Daniel coaxed.
"Let's give Vala a chance to tell ya, buddy. I'm sure she'll let you read the proposal for yourself. Daniel, she's in a tough situation, and she's afraid of disappointing you. Keep that in mind, huh?"
"She gave you a written proposal!" Daniel shook his head in agitation.
"Daniel, what did I just say? Keep an open mind, and let's have a nice dinner before you skewer and roast Vala huh?" Jack ordered. "I'll pick you both up in an hour."
"No Jack, we're skipping dinner until I've read this proposal and discussed it with Vala. We're doing that NOW." Daniel said firmly.
"Come on Daniel," Jack said, "You guys have got to eat. You're already getting off on the wrong foot with this thing."
"No, Vala got us off on the wrong foot; I'll call you later Jack," Daniel said firmly.
"Don't go off the deep end with her Daniel!" Jack warned.
"Jack, I know how to handle Vala," Daniel said.
"No, Daniel I don't think you have a clue how to handle Vala. I'm not even sure you know what she's all about," Jack warned him.
Daniel opened the car door without replying to Jack. "And, you're the expert after having a couple of hours with her," Daniel said under his breath.
"Daniel!"
"Jack."
"Look, her heart really is in the right place," Jack said as Daniel closed the car door and walked into the hotel.