Vala was slightly tossing and turning in her sleep. She was saying her brother's name Mol. Only Daniel could hear it, but it made him worry that Vala was reliving nightmares about her past again. He had thought that being around Jacek and not telling him about his family could have drudged up some other nightmares. He didn't want to wake her, she hadn't slept very well since finding out she would be around Jacek for the duration of the filming and wondered how she was going to react about being a consultant for her father.

The private plane landed without a hitch. The plane was met with a limousine and van to carry luggage and equipment. Vala decided to ride in the van, much to the disturbance of Daniel and her team mates. They arrived at the Grand Hotel in Hollywood and were situated in their own rooms, of course Jacek complained about the accommodations, even though he had the grandest suite. Jacek decided to contact the producer and arrange a meeting for the next day. He decided he wanted to see the sights, and get a good insight to whom and what he was dealing with. Mitchell wanted to eat and decided he also wanted to keep an eye on Jacek. Sam and Teal'c also wanted to take in the sights, since this was their first trip to Hollywood. They decided that a good meal would be best enjoyed at the most fabulous restaurants in town. Daniel tried to persuade Vala to go out and see some sights, but she told Daniel she was tired and just wanted a goodnights sleep.

Daniel decided to eat with Mitchell and Jacek had joined them in the hotel and wanted to include his so called consultants on what was in store for the next day.

"Well I'd say everything is coming along nicely. We get to check out the starting point of the movie and move onto to negotiating my salary, of course you will receive some compensation for your input. I always take care of my friends."

"Wow Jacek, thanks. Now where is this producer you keep talking about and we have yet to see the script?" Stated Mitchell, still steaming over Jacek's production.

"Now, now Major Mitchell."

"That's Colonel."

"Yes, yes, but for the scripts sake, it's a directors prerogative to change a few things. Nothing is final in the script, but I assure you it will be fantastic. Now let's order, I'm famished."

"Famished? Where……..never mind. Why don't you order Jacek, since it's on your tab. I'm going to check on Vala." Said Daniel.

"Give my little girl my……..tell her, wish she was here."

"Right Jacek. I'll be back soon enough."

VALA'S ROOM

Vala was tossing and turning in bed. She had purposely distanced herself from everyone, not wanting to have to explain her foul mood. She was angry at Jacek for bringing them all out on what she believed another one of his con games. But the true reason she didn't want to be bothered with anyone was her nightmares about her family. It was driving her guilt up a couple of notches, even though she had confessed her secret to Daniel. She was sweating, mumbling incoherent sentences about her father hating her for her atrocities against her own family, or at least her brother. Her stepmother Adria was something of a different dream. She could see the face of Adria in her dreams, screaming for mercy, screaming to stop the torture, screaming that she would do anything, even give up her own children as host or slaves to save her miserable life.

Vala sat up bolt upright, breathing hard, when she hears a noise. She looked around, being disoriented when she realized where she was. She recognized it was Daniel voice, and he was knocking on the door.

Vala?...Vala? Daniel didn't receive any answer. He was worried, but thought maybe she was still asleep. After one final knock and still no answer he decided to come back later and check on her.

Vala finally got up from her bed, went to the bathroom and decided on a shower. She felt sticky and uncomfortable. She turned up the heat on the water and let it cascade down her hair and body. She didn't know how long she stood in the water, but it felt refreshing to just let the water run over her body and give her a hot message. When she finally turned the water off, she toweled herself off, and felt tired all of a sudden. She went back to bed, hoping that her dreams were a little less frightening and a little vaguer.

Daniel returned to the table with Mitchell and Jacek. Jacek was definitely enjoying the meal, the people, and the ambiance of all the celebrities that were dining at the hotel. It was glamorous and smell of rich taste and arrogance. Something where Jacek fit right in.

"How's our Princess Daniel?" Asked Mitchell.

"Oh, Vala doesn't know what she's missing. There's so much to entertain here. These people are so………so.

"Gullible Jacek." Smirked Mitchell.

"Oh, that's not the word, oh, yes, enterprising. Oh, I could introduce them to so much, from so many worlds. The possibilities are endless. Traveling thru the gate would be such a thrill for them, and they would pay nicely, several, several times."

"Ix nae, on the gate nae Jacek. It's imperative that we keep a low profile on what we really do Jacek."

"Vala is still asleep Jacek. I guess the trip tired her out. You know she's still recovering from her injuries, you know." Said Daniel.

"Oh, yes, but she would just enjoy these surroundings. She use to love the sights, scanning out the people and see what made them tick. Easy……..easy to read. You know, she's suppose to be a consultant for me."

"She's not real thrilled to be here Jacek. I mean this is your project and we have yet to see any directors or backers. If this is a scam Jacek, I swear I'm…….

"Colonel Major, now, now, I'm just being patient. In Hollywood, things are done at a slow pace, to make sure you get the best results, for a quality film. Now we will meet tomorrow at 8 am on the studio set for locations. I mean this is an action picture and I expect you to consult on the military action. Come on, enjoy, lunch is on me."

"You mean on certain organizations money. Don't forget Jacek, we are also watching the budget here." Stated Mitchell.

"Budget, budget? I thought I could spend the funds allocated on the picture and of course we have to have parties. We have to mingle with the end crowd. Out here you use others money, I mean investment. They love to give money to worthy projects, I mean for charity sake."

"Jacek, what are you planning? Mitchell was now suspicious.

"Well I planned a little party tonight to welcome ourselves into Hollywood. You know, mingle with the big wigs. There are a lot of people out here who love to give to charities, and I thought the best way to introduce ourselves is to mingle, a lot."

"Wait a minute. You said we are resting up, until tomorrow. Now there's a party to go to, and to what type of charity? Asked Daniel.

"You know, the charity of giving. They don't have to know what charity, as long as there is one, for someone, somewhere, someplace."

"JACEK?" Both men said in unison.

"I thought a party would cheer up Vala. I mean she loves people and people love her. She needs to get out a little more. She's been cooped up all day. She needs a little fresh air. She just needs something to do while she's out here. She's going to be quite the asset in making this little project go. I promise you, once she's out there mingling, people will give her money and won't even know why. It's just the thing to get started and keep the money flowing for the over expenses."

"Jacek, if you plan on using Vala to do some type of scam, then I'm calling General Landry and we're headed back to Colorado ASAP."

"No, no, now you misunderstood Danny man. I just want her to have a good time. Like I said, she's been too quite. It's not like my little girl not wanting to stay away from a party."

"It's Daniel by the way, and she's tired. A party is not going to help, especially if it's a fleecing party. I don't want you hurting Vala, Jacek. I mean it. She's been thru enough already, and she doesn't need you hurting her all over again."

Daniel had not realized he stood up and was causing a scene. He looked around and decided he wasn't hungry anymore, and left.

"Now why would he think I would hurt my own daughter? She loves parties."

Mitchell shook his head, not believing that Jacek would be so insensitive.

"Look Jacek, I don't like this little surprise party you sprang on us, and I don't like that we haven't seen any viable script, or director, or anything. Get this straight; we are here to make a movie, if there is one, get out of here and go on with our lives. If you do anything to hurt one of my people, including your daughter, I'm going to tie you to our jet and personally fly you all the way back non stop."

"I don't think that's physically possible to……………..oh, well, I'm not going to embarrass you, if that's what you think." Jacek turned away to greet some people.

"Oh, hello, how are you, I'm having a party want to come?"

VALA'S ROOM

Vala's dreams were becoming more vivid. She could see the face of her stepmother Adria, begging to stop the torture.

Please, I…….I gave you those miserable children. You have them for slaves. I……….I only serve you my Queen. I don't deserve this.

You fool; do you think you were the one to give me this body. I had my eyes on this little one since coming to this forsaken planet. You were just entertainment for me and now your own children will pay for your own treachery.

I…….I don't know what you mean. I have served you well my Queen. I have done nothing for your displeasure.

You forget who you're talking to you lowest of the low. I've seen into your mind. You're not innocent in this game we play. I know how you killed this little ones mother.

Noooo. I……..I didn't do anything wrong. I…….I only serve you. I did this for you.

You did nothing concerning me, only your own selfish needs. You wanted her mother dead and you succeeded. I should think she would want to know about your evil deed. Oh, I forgot to tell you. She can hear every word were saying, and she can see your devious ministrations, when I probed your mind.

No, no my Queen. It was for you. I deserve a place by your side. I……..I have given you everything to be your servant.

I take what I want, and you would never be my servant. You're not even worth keeping alive to amuse me, but she will make you pay for taking her mother and I will enjoy her rage for what you've done.

Yes my little one. She took your mother from you. She deserves your wrath. What would you father say if you allowed her to live for taking his beloved family away from him? Do what you must do to take revenge on your enemy. She is your enemy little one. She has caused you this pain inside. Do not hold back.

Nooooooooo. Nooooooooooooooo. No Vala, Nooooooooooo.

TBC