Daniel couldn't understand the relationship between Teal'c and Vala. It was strange to see both of them so close. In his reality, he couldn't even contemplate that Vala could actually love someone. What made her different here, he thought. Even more surprising was Teal'c's protectiveness towards Vala. He had seen Teal'c angry before and protecting his team was nothing new about Teal'c. But Daniel sensed that Teal'c would have put a serious hurt on him, if he continued to say anything negative about Vala.
Husband and wife? This has to be an alternate reality, if Vala and Teal'c are together. She was after me all the time back at base, and now she's this respected figure on this planet. There's no way we could take her seriously in being in charge of anything. This has to be a joke. Vala a figure head. Humph.
Daniel heard the door open and Teal'c carefully close the door behind him softly. He approached Daniel and motioned him to follow. Teal'c on the way to their unknown destination spoke with someone and they immediately walked towards the palace with concern in their eyes. Teal'c motioned Daniel to follow once again and Daniel recognized the woods where he was hours ago. Teal'c looked around and proceeded towards the Stargate, which was now in view. He never spoke to Daniel the entire time. When they stopped, Teal'c reached down and retrieved something from the DHD. Daniel suspected it might have been power crystals. Daniel finally had to say something to Teal'c.
"Teal'c? What's going on? I know this is not my reality, but why are you and Vala still here on this planet?
"You have a lot of questions Daniel Jackson, but none that concern your own return to your own reality. Why?"
Daniel was surprised at the turnaround of questions towards him and off Teal'c and Vala. "I'm not sure I follow Teal'c."
"That has always been your down fall Daniel Jackson. You are never sure of your feelings."
Daniel stood there for a moment, wondering what Teal'c meant. "Come Daniel Jackson. I wish to return to my wife." Teal'c turned quickly and they both went back to thru the woods to their palace and village. When they returned, Teal'c immediately saw that Vala was walking around outside and the people were smiling and wishing her well. Daniel noticed that Teal'c quickened his pace to be with Vala.
Teal'c immediately hugged Vala and kissed her softly. "Vala, you should be resting. The healer would be very angry with me and you for letting you walk around."
"Oh, that old healer would be fussing with me anyway. So, were you showing Daniel around our little paradise?"
"No dearest one. I was retrieving the crystals from the DHD. I have yet to show Daniel Jackson much of anything. I was worried about your health. Are you well enough to walk around?"
Daniels mind still could not understand these two people, who obviously were well loved by these Eloshin people and Teal'c not caring that he showed affection in public.
"Yes, I was just asking where you two had gone to. I could eat something right about now, but I wanted to wait for you." Vala was eyeing Daniel and seemed to be watching him closely. Teal'c is the only one that noticed his wife's uncomfortable demeanor.
"Vala it's good to see you up and around." Said Daniel. "I – I want to apologize for my behavior earlier."
"No need for apologies Daniel. You are amongst friends here. Well my Jaffa, how about we retire to a meal. Daniel is probably hungrier for real food than what is in those pack packs, if I recall."
"Indeed."
"Well, food sounds good. Maybe you two can tell me more about the Eloshins and figure out a way to get the Stargate working."
Vala's face was almost a mask when Daniel mentioned the gate. Teal'c took Vala's hand into his own and motioned towards the palace.
"It would be a great honor for you to eat with us Daniel Jackson. Perhaps we will speak about the gate much later; come." Said Teal'c.
Daniel followed and thought that Teal'c and Vala were acting strangely. They both seemed to avoid speaking about the gate. But something else Daniel realized. Of all the children running around, there seemed to be no children that Teal'c and Vala called their own.
SGC HEADQUARTERS IN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE
Col Mitchell, Sam and Dr. Lam where all in the briefing room with Gen Landry. Carolyn was giving an assessment on her two patients first.
"I've run test on them both and there is no cerebral damage. They were a little shaken up by the electrical charge from the gate, but they are both fine and can be released today. "
"Thank you Dr. Lam. I'll let you get back to the infirmary and keep me posted if anything turns up." Carolyn was leaving and she looked back and Sam and Mitchell with a perplexed look on her face, which Gen Landry caught and then she left.
"Col Mitchell? Any word on where Dr. Jackson may be?" Asked Gen Landry.
"No General. Sam has been working on tracing and address before the Stargate was hit by lightning, but the results are the same. It's like he just disappeared into thin air. Teal'c and Vala stated that he was right behind them before the lightning struck and they have no clue to what happened."
Sam cut in. "Right Sir, the gate shows no trace of an address, right now, I'm exploring every conceivable angle to finding Daniel."
"Good, keep me posted. Now, I can see something is bothering you two and Dr. Lam seems to be distracted. What else are you not telling me?"
Mitchell looked at Sam, trying to convey what he and Sam had witnessed as well as heard from their teammates. "Well Sir, uh, Teal'c and Vala have informed us that they are engaged."
Gen Landry was usually not surprised by current events concerning SG1, but even he opened his mouth in confusion.
"What? I mean when? I mean, when did they get engaged?"
"Well, from what Teal'c and Vala confirmed; before they left for the planet. I mean it was a big surprise to us all. Well except to them. I mean, Vala's even wearing a mating bracelet given to her by Teal'c to seal the deal, I mean ritual." Said Sam still in shock from the revelation.
"Well, I – I guess I should congratulate those two. But Col Mitchell, how will this affect your team or rather the loss of one member."
"Well Sir, they obviously can handle their relationship on a mission. We had no clue that they were together on the planet, and certainly they still accomplished their job of evacuating the planet without any problem. I can't see any reason why both Vala and Teal'c can't stay on the same team. I……..I'm just a little taken back. I mean, I thought Vala was sweet on Dr. Jackson."
"I thought……………..I mean, there seemed to be an obvious observation on the base. I guess things change. Well, keep me posted Col Mitchell, I mean on finding Dr. Jackson. I'll…………..I'll congratulate the couple when released from the infirmary; dismissed."
As General Landry left, Sam and Mitchell sat at the briefing room table for a few minutes. "I know Cam, I still can't believe it. I wonder what Daniel would say?"
"Well, I'm with you Sam, but our priority right now is to find Dr. Jackson. With Vala and Teal'c being released, maybe they can help you. I'll find you later. I think I need a drink."
"I think I'll join you."
ALTERNATE REALITY PLANET
Daniel, Teal'c and Vala sat in a small dining area. Vala was very quiet and Teal'c was worried that Vala was still ill. She starred at Daniel, saying nothing and squeezed Teal'c's hand under the table, drawing strength from him, even though he knew that Daniel made her uncomfortable. Daniel finally broke the silence.
"So; you two seem to be very happy here with the Eloshin people. They seemed to be a very caring society. Is that why you've stayed behind?"
Teal'c knew Daniel's unquenchable curiosity, would inevitably bring them to this question, which he knew they would have to answer eventually.
"Why don't you just come out and ask us Daniel why we are both still here and never left? It never stopped you before to be direct." There was definitely anger in Vala's voice. She starred Daniel down, not letting go of Teal'c's hand.
"I'm sorry Vala. I didn't mean to upset you. I mean, you have the means to leave, but you're still here. I was just………..
"Curious Daneil?" Vala finished for Daniel. Teal'c was watching Daniel's reaction, before he spoke. "That's always been your problem. Don't care about the other person's feelings, just worry about whether the great Dr. Jackson can solve the great clue of the universe, no matter who it hurts."
"Now wait a minute Vala. I just want to get back to my reality. You obviously have the means, and I don't understand why you don't activate the DHD and let me go home?"
"Because it is dangerous Daniel Jackson. You do not understand what is at stake here. You have not allowed us to explain in our own way. Vala and I have concerns that the Ori may return and destroy these people if they find the address activated once again."
"That's all you had to say." Said Daniel. "I'm just anxious to go home that's all, and yes I am concerned that you were ill while I'm here Vala. I'm ………………..
"Just the same Daniel. Always the same." Vala stood up from her chair, and Teal'c stood with her, looking with concern for his wife's outburst.
"I………I guess I'm still tired my love. I'll retire to our room." Vala turned towards Daniel, raising her chin to compose herself. "I'm sorry Daniel. You are a guest in our home and I should not have attacked you in such a way. Please excuse me. I think I would like to lie down now."
Teal'c decided to accompany his wife. "Daniel Jackson; our friend will escort you to a guest room after you have eaten. I will be with Vala if you need anything." Teal'c bowed and placed his arm around Vala's waist and left. Daniel sat there contemplating what set Vala off. He deduced that Vala was somehow upset with him and didn't know why. As he sat there wondering what was so upsetting, he decided maybe he should just walk around and see what was so special about this planet and their people.
A/N: More updates soon. Reviews and feedback are welcomed. There's a method to my madness. hehehehe
