Title: The Journey

Summary: Daniel and Vala are on a race against time to save a dying Cameron.

Rating: T

Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate.

Chapter 3: Trouble in the Temple

Daniel and Vala returned to Earth not long after speaking with the old woman. Daniel wondered if General Landry would even approve of a mission to find some gem to save Cameron. It would certainly be very dangerous.

The pair found Landry and briefed him on what had happened back on the planet.

He looked at them, confused. "So, you're saying that an old woman supposedly has the cure to this disease that Colonel Mitchell has?"

Vala nodded at the general. "Yes, she claims that if we find the Shashana gem and bring it to her that she will give us a dose of the cure for Cameron."

Landry raised an eyebrow. "Do you two believe her?"

Daniel sighed and ran his hand through his short sandy brown hair. "Well, she was on the planet with no protection from the disease. Besides, I'm not sure what other choice that we have right now, she claims that without the cure, Cam will die in five to seven days."

"I cannot ask you two to go on a mission just to save one team member, it will be your decision."

Daniel and Vala looked at each other in question. A nod from both of them was the answer.

"Yes, sir, we wish to go. We want to try to save our friend," Daniel said and Vala nodded in agreement.

Landry sighed. "Okay then, pack up what you think you will need and head out."

Vala and Daniel stuffed their packs with as much food, ammo, and supplies as they could and traversed through the gate to the address that the old lady had given them.

Daniel immediately saw a large pyramid in the distance, it was almost completely covered by vines and seemed to be crumbling away in some areas.

Vala noticed the pyramid a moment later. "Do you think that pyramid is the temple that the lady was talking about?"

"Yes, that is one of the largest pyramids I've ever seen, I'm sure it is the big temple she was speaking about."

The pair got out the largest knives that they had and began to cut through the thick jungle brush that stood between them and the pyramid.

"This is ridiculous Daniel! It shouldn't be so difficult to get to this temple!"

The archeologist stopped and turned to Vala. "Okay look, we need to set some ground rules here. First of all, no complaining. We are here to save Cameron, you agreed to come so keep your negative comments to yourself. Second, no touching anything that you don't have to. Any little thing inside the temple may be a trap and I don't want your curiosity to kill us both. Last, we stay together at all times. I don't want us to get separated and lost. Okay?"

The former space pirate crossed her arms and huffed loudly. "Fine, can we add that you aren't allowed to be grouchy with me to that list?"

Daniel glared at her. "No." He turned back around and they continued on.

As they moved onwards, Vala began to hum lightly. Daniel was already annoyed with her and was very tempted to tell her to stop, but then he figured that it was better than her complaining so he kept his mouth shut. He just didn't understand how one person could annoy him so much, and yet he still cared for her. She had become one of his best friends, and he had to admit, she made a great team member as well.

A little over an hour later, they arrived at the pyramid. "Okay Vala, look for a door, an opening, or some sort of inscription."

She smiled brightly at him. "Already did darling."

He looked at her in surprise. She dusted off part of the pyramid and Daniel saw that she had indeed found an inscription. He went over to inspect it, squinting his eyes at the writing on the pyramid wall.

"Inside these walls, lies the most valuable gem in the galaxy. It is protected by puzzles, traps, and labyrinths designed so only the Almighty Ra may finally claim the gem for himself." Daniel laughed as he read the Goa'uld writing out loud.

Vala wrinkled her brow in confusion. "What's so funny Daniel?"

"Ra is dead. Jack and I, along with many Abydonians, killed him over ten years ago."

Vala laughed a bit. "So I guess that the 'Almighty Ra' will not be returning for his precious gem then?"

Daniel nodded, pressing the wall to look for a hidden door. "It doesn't look like anybody has tried to obtain this gem for many years, I only hope that it is still there."

Vala ran her hands along the wall as well to help her friend. "Oh, and maybe there will be some other treasure in the temple as well!"

Daniel gave her a look of warning. "Vala, we are here to get the gem to save Cam. This isn't a treasure hunt."

"I was only kidding darling, but I am still mad at you for never giving me any of the treasure from Glastonbury."

"Seriously? That was years ago!"

She crossed her arms again and stuck her nose in the air. "Still mad."

Daniel rolled his eyes. "Okay, I'll make you a deal. If you shut up right now and if you are well behaved for the rest of the time that we are here, I'll buy you some jewelry when we get back." He was getting desperate here, but he figured any mention of a possible gift would make her behave.

Sure enough, her face lit up. "Oh Daniel! Really? Can I get a pretty bracelet with gemstones on it?"

Daniel rolled his eyes again, she was just so childlike at times. "Sure, but you have to follow the rules, so shut up and keep looking for an entrance."

Vala did as she was told, and a few minutes later, the wall in front of her began to shake.

She and Daniel immediately stepped back as they watched the wall ascend upwards. The dark pyramid's interior loomed before them.

"It's now or never," Daniel mumbled as he turned on his flashlight and stepped into the gloom.

Vala stumbled along behind him, keeping so close to him that he could feel her breath against the back of his neck.

"I swear if the ceiling starts coming down on us I'm going to go crazy."

Daniel scowled. "Well, that never would have happened if you hadn't touched something you weren't supposed to!"

"Yeah, yeah, blame me for everything."

"Well that really WAS your fault!"

Daniel stopped suddenly, causing Vala to almost topple both of them over.

"There is a light up ahead."

Vala peered over his shoulder. "Yes, I see it!"

They headed towards the flickering light. When they got close enough, they saw that the light was illuminating a panel with more writing as well as a drawing on it. Next to the panel, was a door.

Daniel leaned closer to read the writing and read it to Vala. "Memorize the drawing to lead you to the other side. One false step could be your last."

End of Chapter 3. Small cliffhanger. Reviews are loved.

-J