"General Landry we are receiving a unauthorized transmission." Stated Walter.

"Who is it Airman?"

"I believe it's coming from a Gou'ald ship sir."

"Put it through Walter."

"Yes Sir."

"This is General Landry of the United States AF. Who am I addressing and why are you contacting us on a secure channel?"

"I believe I can help you General Landry. I propose a truce to negotiate terms for a rather large Naquadah supply and assisting in curing one your people, one Vala Mol Doran."

General Landry immediately recognized the course voice.

Ba'al.

"He's coming Sam, I can't help mother and now he's on his way."

"What are you talking about Eshera? Who's coming?"

"Can't you feel it? It's him, mother's torturer; it's Ba'al."

"Eshera, I am sure Ba'al is not coming here. We are in no danger." Teal'c was trying to reassure Eshera of no apparent danger.

"No…….no, he's coming. I don't know how I know, but he's coming. You must protect mother and father. Please Sam, Uncle Teal'c."

"Eshera I don't…………..

Walters voice came over the intercom system. "Gen O'Neill, Colonel's Carter, Mitchell and Teal'c, report to Gen Landry's office immediately."

"Eshera, we'll be right back. We'll talk about this later. I'll make sure the nurses keep an eye on you, ok."

"Thank Sam, Uncle Teal'c. I'm right, I know I'm right."

"As Col Carter has said; we will not be far Eshera, rest easy, we will return."

Eshera laid back down, still feeling uneasy and worried for her parents. As she watched the nurse come in and adjust her bedding, she felt that something was wrong.

Jack, Sam, Mitchell and Teal'c had all arrived at the same time in Landry's office. The General made them all sit down before he dropped the bad news on them. Sam and Teal'c were even more surprised at hearing the news, since Eshera's revelation.

"You can't be serious Hank. Letting that maniac on base would be signing his death warrant, by me, not to mention he can't be trusted."

"Indeed General Landry. Ba'al has now interest in helping Vala unless there is an alternate motive."

Sam was quite for a few moments, taking in what was happening and concerned for Vala.

"Sir, with all due respect, I'm in agreement with General O'Neill and Teal'c, but………..

"Spit it out Col Carter, I'm open for suggestions."

Sam saw the faces of her friends confused for a few minutes, knowing Sam was more attached to Vala than just teammates.

"But if Ba'al can cure Vala, then it would be worth the risk. I believe Teal'c is right and we don't know if this is a clone or the real Ba'al. I due believe we should not trust him completely and have a contingency plan in place."

"He claims that his reason for coming is that the Lucian Alliance is making it pretty hot for him right now, especially from the circumstances from your report Col Mitchell that Ba'al killed some of Alliances men and tried to kill Aneteo."

"No kidding." Jack mentioned.

"Where is he by the way?" Stated Mitchell.

"He's on the outskirts of the Galaxy, waiting to be transferred to the Odyssey. He said his ship will stay out of our galaxy as long as he's here and then broker a deal for the Naquadah."

"This is all too nicey, nicey." Stated Mitchell. "I can't see him helping Vala out of the goodness of his heart. We all want Vala cured, especially Daniel. But I can't see any reason why he would give us Naquadah, just to piss off the Alliance."

"Well, the Odyssey will be transporting him and beaming him thru the Stargate soon enough. I've listened to everyone's worries and concerns and we'll keep security tight as long as he's here. The IOA does not want to pass up an opportunity to have a large supply of Naquadah if it can cripple the Alliance." Stated Landry.

"I'd like to cripple Ba'al." Said Jack.

"I can't say that Daniel will react to this badly sir. He may not let Ba'al even get near Vala."

"I need someone to talk to him first Col Carter. Any volunteers?"

"Sir, I want to speak to him. I think coming from a different point of view may help him see that this may be Vala's only chance to be cured."

"Ok, Col Carter we trust your judgment."

"I will be with Eshera Gen Landry. I am concerned she knew of Ba'al's presence before we did. She seemed most upset." Stated Teal'c.

"We need to keep her out of sight. I don't want Ba'al knowing who she is. Teal'c I trust you will keep Eshera occupied while he's here. In the meantime, the IOA wants to interrogate him after the deal."

"I smell a rat in this deal. But right now, we have no other choice Hank. I don't want him out of my sight. Sam go speak to Daniel. We'll contact you when we feel it's safe for him to see Vala."

Teal'c had returned to Eshera, while Sam took a breathe before entering Vala's room to speak to Daniel. She could see that there was no change watching Vala lying in the infirmary. Daniel was again hunched over beside Vala, with his hand in Vala's. Sam shook Daniel lightly, trying not to startle him.

"Daniel………Daniel."

"Huh…….what?"

"Daniel I need to speak to you for a minute, out in the hall, it's important."

"Just for a minute Sam. I want to be there when Vala wakes up."

Sam couldn't help feel sorry for what she had to say to Daniel. She hoped that she could smooth things over before Ba'al made his entrance.

"Daniel, something's come up. Just understand this will hopefully help Vala."

Daniel perked up, hoping Dr. Lam may have had a breakthrough for Vala.

"Gen Landry was jus contacted by Ba'al and he wants to help cure Vala as well as hand over a large quantity of Naquadah."

Sam could immediately see Daniel grow tense and angry. "He's not getting near her. What the hell is the matter with Landry. That madman is not going anywhere near Vala. I'll kill him first."

"Daniel calm down, listen first before you decide Gen Landry made a mistake. We are only thinking about Vala Daniel. If she continues in this state, we may lose her; do you want that?"

"No Sam but look what he's done to her already. He used her and God knows what else he did to her. I want my wife back whole and smiling, but how do you think I can just stand by and let Ba'al get near her?"

"Daniel we are not going to let anything happen to Vala. He's going to be searched and be under tight security. At the first sign of any trouble, you can do what you have to do to protect Vala; all of us will."

Daniel was silent and looked back towards Vala thru the infirmary window. He was terrified inside that Vala would be harmed once again. Not to mention that Eshera was in the infirmary a few doors down. He knew Ba'al could not be trusted and the fact he would be in the same proximity of his entire family gave him the shakes.

"Alright Sam, for Vala's sake. I want Eshera moved away from here and I want a Zat gun Sam. I'm not taking any chances when it comes to Vala. If he makes any move to harm Vala or my daughter, I won't hesitate to kill him, regardless of the consequences."

"I don't have a problem with that Daniel, and I don't think anyone else will either."

Walter was sitting at the controls ready to receive the incoming unwelcomed guest. Several guards were posted inside the gateroom, while Mitchell, and Jack were posted near the ramp. Gen Landry was inside the booth waiting for the Stargate to dial in.

"Incoming transmission Sir." At Walters words, the Airman locked their guns in place. Mitchell kept his hand on his P-90's, while Jack had a Zat neatly in his hand and ready to use.

"Open the Iris Walter." Landry was already bracing for everyone being tense.

As the iris opened Ba'al in cuffs, followed by guarded Airmen walked down the ramp with a slight smile. One that Jack recognized all too well.

"Well General O'Neill, how good of you to greet me. I sure you remember old times."

"Fondly; escort our Resident Gou'ald to the nearest cell and make sure he doesn't trip on anyone's fist on the way."

Ba'al smiled his most condescending smile, while being escorted out of the gate room. Mitchell just starred him down, while remembering what the clone Ba'al had put Vala thru.

"I need to know exactly what he's up to Cam. Have the Odyssey keep an eye on Ba'al's Ha'tak. He always has a plan of escape of something goes wrong. I know the Odyssey had searched him, but make sure he has no tag to beam him up; and Cam." Stated Jack.

"Yeah Jack?"

"Take your time interviewing him."

"It will be my pleasure Jack."

TBC