Daniel stretched himself out on the couch and almost immediately went to sleep. Sam checked on Eshera and then quietly left. As Sam left, she remembered Vala's fight to come back from her despair and depression after being viciously tortured. She remembered how after all the pain and suffering Vala suffered, she still survived to have another child, where she could have been so injured she would have been barren. But most of all, Sam remembered how Vala and her had connected as sisters in arms. Fighting to survive the onslaught of constant danger to come out whole, because they had each other. Because Vala finally realized that her friends, Teal'c, Cam, Daniel and her would be there to help pick up the pieces if she fell apart again. And right now, her friendship meant extending her help to Vala's family, which she gladly would do until Vala was found.

Sam had watched Mitchell and Teal'c pull up in a used car. Both men were headed for her and Eshera's cabin and Sam stopped them.

"Hey Sam; I had enough cash on me to buy a car. I didn't want to use my credit card so anyone could trace us. I even contacted Gen Landry from a borrowed cell phone, just to make sure any phone calls were not traced. Turns out that Jack's in control now and General Landry and is making sure Woosley stays out of our hair." Stated Mitchell.

"Well that's some good news. Now we don't have to worry about Eshera being taken."

"Well we can relax a little; let's eat. I know everyone is hungry." Entertained Mitchell.

"Indeed."

"Well Daniel and Eshera are asleep. I think I'll bunk with you guys, eat and turn in. I'm running on fumes."

"Well, maybe it's for the best. It's been a long day and this will give Jackson a breather. Now we only need to concentrate on finding Vala. It's better to start fresh in the morning."

"Indeed Col Mitchell. I believe Ba'al is trying to let us sweat it out, by using Vala as bait. His agenda is never simple in terms of power."

"I agree Teal'c, but Vala is the one suffering. I can't stand not knowing what he is up to with Vala. I know Daniel is worried sick about her and now Eshera believes her mother is in pain. I think she may be able to help in someway, but, I'm not really sure what the Blue Flame even works for her or if she understands what's happening to her. I mean she's 12 years old in less than a month."

"I have to admit Sam, that it's pretty weird about that Blue Flame, even when it came from Vala. We don't even know if Eshera can control it or if Vala passed it on, but I do know this. We need to get her back and find out what Ba'al is up to."

The rest of SG1 went back to their cabin; ate and then turned in for the night. They all had thoughts surrounding Vala, Eshera and Daniel. Their prayers were for Vala's safe return and that Ba'al would show his hand soon.

BA'AL'S SHIP

Ba'al had finally enslaved Vala's body and mind. He had used his drug to subdue her body and now he needed to set his plan for SG1's destruction into action. But he also needed to pull the Lucian Alliance into his trap. He wanted Vala to use her power to destroy them all, leaving a huge power vacuum that he would immediately fill. He had enough of his Ba'al clones ready to take over at moments notice and what ever surviving Gou'ald that may be in the galaxy he would eliminate them also. No better opportunity had presented itself after the Ori lost their Orici, and no other power he believed in his own arrogance, was as intelligent as he was to pull it off.

Vala was placed back in restraints on the pallet and drugged as usual. Again the pain rendered her unconscious and helpless. Ba'al need no longer, to delay his plans.

"Prime."

"Yes My Lord."

"Contact the leaders of the Lucian Alliance. Tell them that I have a powerful weapon to demonstrate and it includes a demonstration on eliminating SG1. Tell them I also have one of their common enemies, Vala Mol Doran as my prisoner. Tell them I will gladly turn her over to them for 200 million quads of Naquadah and SG1 is thrown in for free."

The Prior smiled at his master's gift for taunting his enemies. "Yes my Lord. Shall I make preparations to bring SG1 closer to our destination?"

"Yes; I want them to know that their precious team member is most anxious to see them. Set our course to the outer crest of the Milky Way. There is a planet there that will set well with my plans. From our spies, there are a few remaining Priors that I wish to eliminate."

"As you wish My Lord."

As Ba'al watched his Prime leave; he walked slowly over to Vala once again. He lifted her face, pale and sweaty from the drug.

"Soon my dear. Soon all will be in place. A small test of your power is eminent. I must be sure that you will perform for me and only me. I believe a test is in order."

Ba'al summoned his guards to bring him a slave. The slave was tied to two posts in his room and the guards ordered to leave. Ba'al shook Vala awake with his touch.

"Vala my dear. I have one of those despicable traitors aboard. He is one of them that have caused you this pain. He tried to attack me Vala. Please; you must help me punish him. Release your power and I will keep you safe."

Vala weakly looked up and shivered at the touch of Ba'al's caresses. Again his touch relieved her of the searing pain, coursing through her body. Ba'al turned her head so she was looking directly at the slave. At the sound of his voice and words, something stirred inside Vala. She felt her body arch and her mind began to burn with anger, fear, and release. The frustration of being left to endure immeasurable pain without any relief, except by the touch of this one man that cared enough to ease her torture. Her eyes could only see an enemy of this kind man. She needed him, wanted him to stay safe and she needed an outlet to let go.

Again Ba'al enticed her to use what was so evident in her eyes, the release of her internal pain. With every word touch and release of his hand, it drove her mad. Intense white pain and then soothing touches, caresses. She could not contain it. It surged thru her body. Ba'al once again removed his touch from her face, her body.

Ba'al could see a Blue Flame reflecting in her eyes. She was glowing for a brief moment of an ethereal Blue Flame and then something happened that was not expected. The flames in Vala's eyes turned white and then Black. The Black Flames shot out from her eyes, her body and reached towards the slave. It encircled the slave as if it was taunting him, burning him slowly with a slow burn and then entered his body as if it was fueled by his screams. It incinerated him within a few minutes and nothing but ash was left on the floor. The Black Flame re-entered Vala and she fell unconscious.

Ba'al was astonished at the unexpected turn of the Blue Flame to Black. His guards barged in expecting their Lord and Master to be in trouble. When they entered they saw that there was no harm to him. They looked towards the post and saw black smoldering ash.

"My Lord? Asked a Guard. "What is your wish?"

"Good, you arrived just in time to have someone clean up this mess. Do it quickly and leave my chambers."

The guards bowed and several slaves entered at the eerie scene, but dare not question Lord Ba'al's private torture sessions. Soon Ba'al's chambers were empty except for him and Vala's unconscious state. He grabbed her face once again cautiously first and then firmer.

"Unexpected my Dear Vala. Most unexpected and quite satisfactory. You have given me new hope in destroying my enemies."

Ba'al moved closer to Vala and breathed in her scent. He had also become attached to his new play thing, his weapon of destruction. He kissed her forehead as if rewarding a child for doing a job well done.

"I have many plans for you Vala. So many plans. Opportunity awaits us my Dear Vala. Opportunity awaits."

TBC