The Deadulas had picked up SG1 and Eshera and headed for the planet PX419 for their meeting with Ba'al and to rescue Vala. Eshera had settled in after anxiously touring the ship. Mitchell, Teal'c and Sam had an alternate plan, knowing that Ba'al was a dangerous Gou'ald. They knew that there had to be an alternate reason for meeting on the planet other than releasing Vala. Daniel had been pre occupied with Eshera and how much she looked like Vala more each time he saw her. Her eyes were blue grey, and her hair was black as night. Her features were slender and tall like Vala's, but Eshera had a hint of himself in how she curled up her mouth when she looked as if she was figuring out a diagram. Daniel had concerns that Eshera may be too connected to her mother. If she could sense Vala in pain, then Ba'al could use that to his advantage and do anything he wanted to Vala. He was determined to keep Eshera safe and save Vala from anymore torture.
LUCIAN ALLIANCE SHIP
Since Netan the Alliance leader had disappeared, Aneteo the second in command was now the new leader of the Lucian Alliance. When Ba'al contacted him, he was more than anxious to destroy SG1, knowing they were a thorn in Netan's side. He had no illusions that SG1 would eventually try and cripple his operations for attaining Naquadah and his profitable operations. Not to mention Vala Mol Doran was a very wanted criminal in their eyes, dues to a shipment of Naquadah disappearing while she was a partner. Ba'al had traded vast amounts of the precious Naquadah for slaves and he had been increasingly stingy on his supply lately. Aneteo surmised that Ba'al wanted to gloat that he destroyed SG1 and captured Vala Mol Doran and make a killing in trade agreements, by knocking out their main threat in the galaxy. Vala was just a bonus for Aneteo as a trophy to solidify his leadership amongst the other Alliance Commanders. There was always a challenge among the Alliance, but Aneteo had humiliated Netan several times while he was leader; that SG1 made him look like a fool as well as the Alliance. Having Vala Mol Doran would solidify his stature once and for all.
"Commander how long until we reach this accursed planet? Ordered Aneteo.
"Not long Leader. We approach within the hour."
"Good; I intend to watch this demonstration of Ba'al's weapon and have Vala Mol Doran finally in our hands. I expect to trade a lot more often with Ba'al once SG1 is eliminated. This will be a glorious day for the Alliance."
"I will make ready our other ships Leader. They will await word when you arrive and see our enemy destroyed."
"Then you are dismissed Commander. Make ready my personal craft and a few of my guards. I want to be prepared for anything, unlike our previous leader."
PLANET PX419
The remaining Priors had sensed the oncoming presence of ships landing on the planet. There had been hidden hideaways on the planet unknown to the unsuspecting visitors. The Priors that had fled to this corner of the galaxy believed that their Orici would return to them someday. With the little power they had left, they had survived, but the unexpected visitors to this planet made them cautious. The Priors watched in hiding and waited to see what these non believers plans were.
THE DEADULUS
"Alright everyone, Ba'al's ship has arrived and we're picking up signatures of other ships in the area. I suspect they're cloaked." Stated Mitchell.
"I knew we couldn't trust Ba'al." Stated Daniel. "I just want to know where Vala is?" Eshera was standing next to Daniel on the command center.
"Hold on Daniel." Sam knew Daniel was worried about Vala. But they had to stick to their plan. "We have our own backup. If anything happens we have our own ace in the hole. We're going to get Vala back. We don't leave anyone behind, remember."
"Indeed Daniel Jackson. We will retrieve Vala at cost to Ba'al."
Eshera walked over to the command center viewing window. Daniel and the rest watched with apprehension of Eshera's manor. She seemed to be watching for something. Daniel walked over and knelt down beside her wondering what was wrong.
"Momma's here daddy. But she's not."
Daniel looked back at his friends first, now quite sure what Eshera meant.
"What to you mean honey?" Asked Daniel. He felt something sick in his stomach stir.
"She……..she's in pain daddy. I think………I think she needs me daddy. She needs me."
"Eshera, we can't take you down to the planet. It's too dangerous. We'll get your mother back; I promise."
"No…….no, something's wrong daddy. You can't go down there alone. It's not safe. Please you have to take me with you."
"Eshera listen to me. If something goes wrong, then Uncle Teal'c and everyone else will take care of you. We don't know what will happen down there and I need to keep you safe; for your mothers sake. I…….can't afford to lose you if……….
"Please be carefully daddy. Nothing is what it seems." Eshera turned back looking out at space and Ba'al's ship.
Daniel kissed Eshera on the head and was more determined than ever to have Vala back. He heeded Eshera's warning and with the threat of hidden ships, he just hoped that getting Vala back would not cost more than they were ready to sacrifice."
BA'AL'S SHIP
Ba'al sat watching out the command center as if he was a master Maestro conducting a symphony. The pieces were falling into place and the players were center stage. He smiled to himself knowing he had left Vala in constant pain without any relief or visits from himself. He wanted to intensify her hate and pain, so all he need do is make her suffer until his touch would relieve her from her abyss. To him it was essentially perfect to have such a weapon at his disposal. He had bided his time, while the Tau'ri fought the Ori. He had traded to the Lucian Alliance to gain more slaves and amass an army. But more important was his goal to control the galaxy once again as the Ultimate System Lord. All that had become possible, due to a single discovery of an ominous power that now he could only control. Everything was within his grasp, he thought, and all he had to do was unleash it. Unleash Vala Mol Doran to the universe.
TBC