Sam was over by the DHD. "This DHD looks the same way." Sam was pulling off the panels of DHD. "Man Vala, you are a godsend. There are no crystals and this dialing unit is pretty dusty and dirty. I might be able to……..
"Sam we've got company. There are some people coming our way. They don't look to happy either."
All of them pulled their Zat guns preparing to fire when they saw someone dressed differently explode thru the oncoming people. Their eyes lit up with excitement when they recognized the green uniform and the face.
Vala recognized the face first. "Daniel."
Daniel seemed to be shouting something to them, but they couldn't quite make it out.
"NO, NO. DON'T START THE GATE. GET AWAY FROM THE GATE."
Daniel had conflicting emotions. He was glad that his friends had found him, but his immediate concern was for the health of Vala. Daniel stopped the Eloshins from coming near his friends. He explained they knew nothing about their Mistresses illness and he would explain to them the situation. The Eloshins stopped, but were weary of the stranger's sudden presence.
Sam was the first to hug Daniel and the rest were about to, though Vala was as little hesitant.
"Guy's we have to do this reunion later. But the gate is causing Vala to be very ill. She may be dying. Hurry; I'll try to explain on the way."
They all stood there perplexed and looked at Vala.
"I assure you Daniel, I'm perfectly fine." Vala said looking at herself.
"No, no, there's another Vala here on this planet. Come on, it's an emergency. Sam I hope you can help."
Still confused they followed Daniel. The Eloshins that were standing near the clearing were confused also. The stranger looked exactly like their Mistress and Teal'c their teacher, but younger. Teal'c and Vala were receiving all kinds of strange looks as they entered the city. The Eloshins were speaking to one another, but somehow they knew this was not their friends. Daniel explained that they were the younger persona of Teal'c and Vala and that they had to prepare for what they will see. As they entered the palace, the same looks followed them. When Daniel opened the door the older Teal'c was holding his Vala. The rest of SG1 entered and were astonished to see twins of Vala and Teal'c. They've seen some strange things on their missions, but this was definitely unexpected.
"Samantha Carter, please; are you able to help my wife. She is gravely ill. I hope Daniel has explained what has caused her illness."
Sam was startled by this Teal'c's forwardness of her first name. But she shook herself out of her daze and neared Vala's bedside. Daniel looked at Vala and Teal'c from his reality and noticed that they were still starring at their twins. The older Teal'c never took his eyes from his Vala, while Sam was examining her. Sam took out her medical kit and administered a shot of steroids to help Vala's breathing and another shot of morphine for her pain. Sam could do little else without being a Doctor. She looked at the older Teal'c and began to explain what was going on.
"Uh, Teal'c right."
"Yes Samantha. I know this is strange, but please, can you help her? This has happened everytime the gate is activated. She…………
Teal'c was obviously upset. Vala moved closer to her Teal'c as they could see he was very worried about his Vala.
Teal'c continued. "She almost died the last time. This is much graver than before."
"I'm sorry Teal'c; but there's not much I can do for her here. I gave her something to help her breathe, and something for the pain; but she has a high fever and nothing seems to be helping her. What are you giving her?" Asked Sam.
"She……….there is medicine from the plants of this planet. It helped with the illness several years ago for the Eloshin's, there has been no other medicine to help this curse Adria placed on her mother."
Daniel chimed in. "I'll explain it all later guys. I……….I need to talk to Teal'c, I mean this reality Teal'c."
Vala watched the older Vala. She felt the pain of this woman, her twin. She wanted to help somehow.
"May I stay with her, Uh, Teal'c? I mean, I want to sit with her, if that's alright with you."
Teal'c could see the same caring spirit in this Vala as his own. He knew his Vala would be unconscious for awhile. He wanted to be alone with her, but he also needed to explain to them, what has happened."
"Yes Vala Mol Doran. I believe my wife would like that."
Teal'c ushered everyone out of his wife's room, but not before he bent down to kiss his wife. He knelt down and caressed her hair lovingly from her face.
"I am here Cal Mah. I will return soon. Do not leave me Cal Mah. I love you very much."
Vala saw such love from this older Teal'c, she looked at Teal'c and he stepped over to put a hand on Vala's shoulders. She grasped his hand and leaned into his touch. He left with the other, while Daniel looked shocked at what he just witnessed between the two. As they left, Vala pulled a chair up beside the older Vala's bed. She placed a cool cloth over her forehead, hoping to help with the fever. Vala was torn; it was like looking into a mirror of the future, while this woman she did not know, lies dying. Vala hoped she would get to speak to her, but for right now, she would take care of her as if a long lost sister.
The older Teal'c had walked a few feet away from the group to compose himself. He hated to see his Vala so ill and this was the worse he had seen her. He leaned against the wall and Daniel slowly came up behind him with a comforting hand on his back.
"Teal'c, I can explain the rest to them. If you like?"
Teal'c could only hold himself up against the wall. He nodded to Daniel and sat down on the nearest bench.
Daniel walked towards his friends and moved them a little away from Teal'c.
"Jackson, what's going on? Said Mitchell. "How is there another Teal'c and Vala on this planet?"
"Yeah, Daniel. I………I mean we are all glad to see you. But there's something else going on here."
"Indeed."
"It's a long story guys. I'm glad you're here. I was hoping you could help." Daniel looked back at Teal'c and then to his Teal'c and began to explain.
Mitchell shook his head. He couldn't believe what he just heard. "So this Vala can never leave this planet, because of the gate?"
"Yes; Teal'c never expected anyone to come thru the gate. He hid the crystals after their Daniel died and when I came thru the gate, the same thing happened."
"But Daniel, that means if we try to start the gate; this could be grave for this Vala." Stated Sam.
"I know this is bad Sam. But if we go back thru the gate. Vala is going to die if we even activate it again. I hope you can help and come up with a solution to help her. We can't even take her near the gate. Adria made sure she would be trapped on this planet or die trying to escape. Teal'c, I mean this Teal'c would not leave her to die. Even I almost made the same mistake. I want to help them."
"I don't know if we can Daniel." Said Sam. "I have extra crystals and with some tweaking, I probably could get the gate going again. It took all our reserves just to boot this gate from the other side. We can't stay Daniel, but I don't know of any other way to help. They have been here 25 years?"
Daniel's shoulders dropped from feeling helpless. "Yeah, I was about to reserve myself at being here for the rest of my life. It took some convincing though. I wasn't exactly the gracious guest."
"Teal'c you haven't said much since finding out what's going on." Asked Mitchell.
"I was merely observing and listening to Daniel Jackson's explanations. I am most concerned about the danger to this Vala. However, I would like to speak to this Teal'c and see if I can offer words of comfort."
Teal'c slowly walked over to the older Teal'c and stood stoically by his side. As he did Daniel pulled Sam and Mitchell down the hall a little.
"Ah, guys, what's up with Teal'c and Vala? I mean our Teal'c and Vala?"
Sam and Mitchell both looked at each other, and wondered if they should be the one's to tell Daniel about Teal'c and Vala's engagement.
"Well, you're going to find out anyway, and this seems like the twilight zone." Mitchell was looking for help from Sam.
"Well, ah, they are engaged. I … I think they should tell you the rest. Right now, I think we have a bigger problem. How are we going leave without killing his wife? I mean I'm still trying to process there's two of each?"
"I know Sam; it's been enlightening at the best." Stated Daniel. "I just………..I just want this Vala to be alright. I……..I don't know if she'll make it. God; I was such an ass to her and Teal'c." Daniel slid down the wall and starred at both Teal'c's.
Sam and Mitchell both watched Daniel and looked at each other. They both had one thought.
What's happened to you Daniel? What have you done?
BEDROOM CHAMBERS
The Elder Vala was coming around. Vala started to get her husband, but a hand came up weakly and grabbed her arm.
"No………stay. You're the reason……….while I'm ill it would…..seem."
Vala wiped her brow of sweat. Vala just nodded her head yes.
"You have to rest. We two Vala's always need our beauty sleep." Both Vala's smiled together.
"You should rest, save your strength."
"No……….you know I am dying. You……….you and I cannot fool one another."
The older Vala slightly coughed. Vala poured some water and lifted her head to allow her to drink.
"Thank you. Are……….are you married?"
"No, well, not yet; why do you ask?
"You wear the Jaffa ceremonial bracelet for marriage. I………..I have one also."
"Oh, clever." How?...your Teal'c seems to love you very much. There must be something we can do for you."
"Adria made sure that……….she fixed me good." Cough, cough.
Vala helped her drink more water. "At least we have that in common. If I see her again, believe me, I'll make her pay for this."
The older Vala smiled slightly. "Vala, listen carefully. Your Daniel does he…..he know about you and Teal'c?"
"No, not yet." Vala knew this woman lying here so ill, knew here better than her friends could possibly imagine. " How………how did he take, you know, you and this Teal'c being together?
"He didn't at first. He ………he was angry that he…………he couldn't leave. It took time………..time to explain why. I believe…………he finally accepts us."
"Teal'c, my Teal'c, has been friends with Daniel for a long time. We……, Teal'c and I recently have declared our love for one another. I…….I never expected this, not with Teal'c. But he………..he love me for me. No changing me to fit his ideal of what I should be. And I truly love Teal'c. He's everything to me and more. I……..I finally have found peace within myself. I'm………..not running from anyone or anything and I feel safe around him."
Vala smiled from her bed. "As I with my Teal'c. Unexpected circumstances………..lead to our love. He will not leave me……….even now, I know he will follow me to my grave."
"No; no that can't happen. I have so much to talk to you about………..
"No Vala. You ………..you and your friends cannot stay here. It would be your prison."
"No……….no, there must………..
"No Vala, you know what must be and I need……….cough, cough. "I need to speak to…………to my husband, please."
Vala had tears in her eyes. She wanted more time with this older Vala. She admired her bravery, knowing the inevitable.
"Go, love your Teal'c as I have loved mine. Do………do not worry about Daniel. He will be fine."
Vala could only nod her head in response. Even though she did not know this woman personally, but her admiration of her strength and courage would be remembered as a cherished memory.
HALLWAY
The elder Teal'c stood up, aware that the younger Teal'c was nearby. "I must return to my wife. I cannot honestly say I want you here, but I understand your concern for your Daniel and finding him."
"I am sorry for your Vala. I too have chosen this Vala to be my wife. I would feel loss if anything happened to her."
"Then you have chosen well. Your Vala must be all to you and you must cherish her, while she is with you. I'm sorry that I cannot speak with you more, but I need to see my wife."
Teal'c bowed and both walked in step together towards the bedroom. Daniel seeing both men coming their way stood up. Mitchell and Sam gathered also at the door. Just as they were meeting together, Vala for Daniel's reality opened the door. With tears in her eyes she hugged her Teal'c. He held her tightly as the others watched. Daniel not knowing what to say, watched the older Teal'c enter the room. Everyone else stayed outside and waited.
Teal'c walked swiftly to his wife's bedside. He could see her sleeping, her breathing labored. He placed himself in bed with her and pulled her to him, with her head near his chest. He held her close as physically possible and rocked her. He was humming and Vala awoke to his singing.
"Ah, I always loved………..cough, cough, cough.
Teal'c reached for the water and helped her drink. Vala pushed the glass away to signal she had enough.
"Your singing."
Teal'c had to smile at his wife's way of making the best out of the worst.
"My love, you know………..know what must be done. They cannot stay."
"No, no Cal Mah. They may be able to help you. Their Samantha reminds me of our long ago friend. She may have a solution."
"How long Teal'c……….how long until she finds a solution?"
Teal'c knew where this conversation was going and he didn't like to admit she was right.
"I……I don't know Cal Mah. But given time she……….
"No Teal'c, they must leave. We cannot let ……….let them suffer our fate."
"No Cal Mah. No, it will kill you. I cannot let this happen."
"No Teal'c. I am dying. You……….you cannot stop this from happening. I………I can feel……….
"No, please Cal Mah. We must try something."
"I can't Teal'c. I can feel myself drifting. This time is different. I will not………not be able to recover this time."
Teal'c raised his head with tears streaming down his face. His voice was choked at Vala's premonition.
"Please Cal Mah; do not leave me. I will not let you go."
"You must; they cannot stay my love…..cough, cough.
"There…….there are others lives at stake. My life……….my life has been one of complete love. I could ask no more."
"No……..no……….. Teal'c lowered his head so that Vala could see him. His tears were now staining her gown. Her own tears were released; unbidden, knowing she would leave her husband alone.
"I love you Cal Mah. I cannot live without you. Please do not leave me her without you."
"You…………you can leave now. You can find a new………….
"No Cal Mah; my life is bonded to you. No other will take your place. I promised long ago, to stay with you and I will not break my vow. You have been my life and joy. I cannot love another."
Vala reached up for her husband and Teal'c grasped her hand and kissed it tenderly and then bent his head to kiss her lips; they were cold. As Teal'c held onto Vala, she began to wheeze, as if trying to grasp for her last breath. She reached up and weakly spoke.
"I……….love…………you.
SG1 was sitting on the benches, while Sam worked on her computer, trying to come up with a way to go thru the gate without harming Vala. Teal'c and Vala had stayed close, but where sitting on another bench. Daniel was starring at the door where the older Teal'c and Vala remained. Then they jumped when they heard a cry of pain. A cry mixed with the loss of a loved one that was no more. Daniel knew that pain all too well.
Vala and Sam started crying, knowing what had happened. Sam wanted to go in, but Daniel stopped her.
"Maybe it's not too late Daniel. Maybe I can………….
"No Sam; I think we should wait. I……….I know he wants to be alone."
Sam sat back and leaned against the wall. Mitchell felt helpless. He knew about death of a loved one, but even he could see how much this worlds Teal'c felt about his Vala. Daniel looked over to Teal'c and Vala. She was crying into Teal'c's shoulder, a shoulder that might have been his if he had dealt his cards right. But as he watched in amazement and sadness. He could see the similarities between the twin couples. He realized that he was unfair to this Vala when he first came to this planet, and now understood about the individuality of this Vala from his reality. They are beautiful, intelligent, graceful and courageous. They both had been thru so much pain and suffering, not of their own making and yet both were able to move on with their lives to find true love with someone, other than him.
Daniel wanted to reach out to this new found friend and comfort him, tell him how sorry he was for being so mean to his wife. Tell her how sorry he was that he made her feel insignificant and unworthy of his trust. Daniel had a lot of time to think of all the regrets perpetrated against this special couple, but now they were meaningless; all meaningless.
The Eloshin servants had come by to inquire of their Master Teacher and Mistress. SG1 was informed that the people were gathering out front, worried for their Mistress. But Daniel could only answer that Teal'c was alone with his wife in the bedroom. They all agreed that it was best that any personal news of Vala should come from the older Teal'c. It was several hours before Teal'c emerged from his chambers. He was carrying Vala in his arms as if she was sleeping. It was evident on his face that his eyes were red from recent sobbing and his face was etched in pain.
"Master……..Master, the Mistress, is she……………
Teal'c only nodded to a question that was inevitable to be answered. Vala had passed away and now Teal'c could only grieve for his loss. Vala stood up with her Teal'c, with tears in her eyes and put her hand on the older Teal'c's face. He understood the gesture of friendship and sorrow. He could barely speak, while holding his lifeless wife in his arms.
"My……….my wife did not want you to suffer our fate. She………she knew she was dying. I will stay here with her. I will not leave her even now."
"Teal'c, what will you do now?" Asked Daniel. He too was visibly shaken at losing this Vala.
"I……..I will go with you to the Stargate. I will not return with you. I will destroy the gate after you leave. It will be no more and Adria will never know where her mother is buried." Teal'c continued the stoic front.
"Teal'c what will happen, once you've destroyed the gate?" Asked Vala softly.
"Live my life as we would have together. When it is my times to be with her, I will welcome that day. Until then, I wish to be there to see that you travel safely thru the gate."
All of them could tell Teal'c didn't want to say much more. He was physically distraught and seeing Daniel's Vala still alive, and it was emotionally disturbing.
Teal'c walked outside to the waiting crowd of Eloshins. They saw now, what had happened to their Mistress. Every single Eloshin bowed down, out of respect to one knee. They all began to shed tears of their now deceased friend and Mistress. Teal'c raised his head to speak.
"My friends; my wife has passed from this life into the next. You know she loved all of you as you have loved her. She will stay in my heart for all eternity as you will be in hers. I go to escort my friends. They are not from this world or mine, but have agreed to help destroy the gate. My Cal Mah will never feel the pain of such a device ever again. I will return to you my friends and we shall all pay homage to my wife."
ALL MUHA, ALL MUHA.
The Eloshins said their words for prayer and continued bowing until Teal'c was out of their sites. SG1 followed solemnly and weary back to the Stargate. When they arrived, Teal'c placed Vala gently on the soft grass several feet away from the gate. Some of the Eloshins that followed looked out for her body in reverence. Teal'c followed SG1 the rest of the way in silence. When he arrived part of him was already angry at the monstrosity and at Adria for causing his wife so much grief.
Vala walked up to the older Teal'c and wrapped her arms around him. He returned the hug without apprehension. He looked over to the younger Teal'c and bowed his head.
"Couldn't we stay to help you with the burial Teal'c?" Asked Vala tenderly.
"I wish to rid this planet of this cursed gate as soon as possible. It was cause for great pain to my Cal Mah. I could not bear to grieve in front of you. You remind me of my old friends long ago, from another place in time."
Daniel walked up to the older Teal'c and hugged him also. Daniel started to say something, but was stopped by Teal'c.
"No need for sorrow Daniel Jackson. My wife and I held no malice towards you are your friends at coming thru the gate. No regrets Daniel Jackson. Remember your friends, remember they are family, they are what is best in your. Blessing on you and all your friends; especially to you Vala and Teal'c. We would be brothers Teal'c if not for another time. Care for your Vala always; as she will care for you in the same."
The younger Teal'c walked over to the older one and embraced him, in a warrior's arm to arm shake.
"We are brother this day." Said Teal'c. Both nodded to each other with respect.
Mitchell shook the older one and gave him several blocks of C2 explosives. "Do you remember how these work?"
"Yes, I will manage."
Sam finally walked over to embrace the older Teal'c with tears in her eyes. "I wish we had more time. We will remember you both."
"Thank you Samantha. You have reminded me so much of our friends. You must go now. It pains me to see you go, but you must. I only ask one favor of you all."
Vala answered. "Anything Teal'c."
"A prayer for my wife and that I join her soon."
They all nodded without saying a word. They understood all too well Teal'c's request. Sam loaded the crystals, dialed the coordinates for their homeworld and hoped the entered their reality. As SG1 said their final goodbyes, Daniel hesitated on last time to see Vala's lifeless body and bowed to Teal'c. He went thru the horizon knowing he had some things to say to Vala.
As soon as they left, the older Teal'c set the charges on the DHD and the gate. He walked back to his wife's body and pulled her into his arms, cradling her as if she could hear.
"Now Cal Mah, we journey together for one last time. Your suffering and cause for pain will be no more." He kissed her on the forehead and pressed the remote. The gate was obliterated along with the DHD. There would be no more visitors to this peaceful planet again. Teal'c gently picked his wife up and carried his Vala into the forest. He would never be seen again by the Eloshins.
TBC
A/N: I have one last chapter my friends. So enjoy and reviews and feedback are welcomed.
