CHAPTER 66

EPISODE…………………….The Powers That Be

It was getting near noon at the SGC. Guards were patrolling outside the mountain, keeping watch as always. Daniel was working on his translations, had ate breakfast, but skipped lunch to instead drink his coffee flavored sugar. Sam was at home with the baby, though Ford offered to stay that morning. He was currently going through paperwork while watching one of his new anime's. Teal'c was still on Dakara. Mitchell was in the commissary eating some Jello, after finishing some pasta dish Ford made last night, while doing paperwork. Vala entered the room, saw him and instantly sat down. A guard stood behind her.

"What are you doing?" she asked walking in with a file.

"Having lunch." he stated eating the Jello.

"Don't you care that there could be Priors out there taking advantage of poor innocent people?" she asked sitting down. "Luring them into a oppressive religion, or worse, killing them for rejecting them."

He turned a page and took another bite before speaking. Mostly, he was ignoring her.

"Are you bored of bothering Jackson?"

"Hey, you're suppose to be going out," she said tapping the table with her finger. "On missions through the Stargate. So let's go. Let's rid the galaxy of evildoers."

Mitchell just kept eating and reading.

"Look, despite what Daniel may think, I really can help."

Mitchell sat up and sighed.

"I know how things work out there. I'm physically capable. Good with weapons. Not to mention I'm seductively attractive." she said saying the last part a little louder.

Several men in the room did look in her direction and she waved while smiling. She turned back to Mitchell who had just finished shaking his head.

"I'd make a fine addition to any SG team."

"You left out selfish and untrustworthy." he said taking another bite.

"I'd like to say, independent and resourceful." she said smiling as she opened the file she brought.

"That's is a classified file." he stated as she opened in more in front of him.

"Priors have been reported on 43 different planets already." she said pointing out the lines as he crossed his arms.

"Yeah, that's what the file says."

"Well, it just so happens that I have a very good relationship with the people on the planet you designated P8X-412."

"Define….relationship." he said leaning close to her face.

"They trust me."

He got up and started to leave.

"What? Where are you going?" she asked quickly.

"I'm going to go talk to the General."

She smiled, but not in a good way. He didn't see it though.

"Why?"

"Because," he said coming back and grabbing the file she had. "Anyone who trust you, is obviously in a great deal of danger."

He left the room and came back grabbing his Jello as she was about to eat it.

"And that's what she said. I think we should check it out."

"Hmm. Good idea. She explain how she got this file?"

"No. And I didn't ask."

He sighed and lightly shook his head.

"Probably would have lied anyway."

"Yeah. I kinda figured that too."

"Well, go get Daniel, take her obviously and let me know if you want anyone else. Report in, in a few hours or so."

"Got it General." he said standing up. "You watching cartoons again?"

"And?" he said sitting back shaking the remote lightly.

"Never mind." he said leaving.

"Better." he muttered hitting play while doing paperwork.

Less than an hour later, Mitchell and his group were ready and took off through the gate. They managed to get Teal'c to come along and then went to her 'trusted people.' Outside the large pyramid they gated into, there was small settlements, mostly small buildings with no walls, but roofs and tables. Small fires for cooking here and there and people dressed in old and slightly baggy clothes for wearing in the desert climate they were in.

They gated into a large pyramid and walked into a large room, with a throne like chair. Though the room had light from small columns, about four feet high and set near the walls. Three on each side and two on each side near the throne. Nothing fancy in the room, but it was apparent that the room had, 'royal value.' A Goa'uld once sat in the chair obviously. Teal'c was the first to enter the room, holding out his PC-90, just in case. The others came in, also with weapons ready, but Vala was only in SGC off world clothes. No weapons.

"Oh, good, no one's here." she said walking toward a small passage way to the right of them.

"I thought you said these people trusted you?" Mitchell asked. "Why are we sneaking around and avoiding everybody?"

She turned around, walking backwards as she talked.

"I told you, they won't recognize me like this. Fortunately, I left a few spare outfits behind."

"What is it with her and her wardrobe?" Mitchell asked as she started down the passageway.

"You know, I think we could explain to them exactly why…" Daniel tried to say.

"This will only take a second." she said holding her hands out as Daniel tried to follow. "Can a girl have a little privacy?"

"No, besides, I think I've seen just about everything there is to see." Daniel stated as he placed his hands on his hips. Mitchell shook his head and kept from laughing.

"Thanks." she said with a false smile. "Look, there is no other way out of this room, I'm just going to change. I'll be right back."

Daniel dropped a hand as he sighed and turned away from the doorway. Teal'c was looking at the chair on the raised platform while Mitchell stood a few feet away from Daniel watching the doorway they came through. Some man with a turbine on his head and dirty clothes walked in slowly holding some gold object, small enough to be a urn. He looked up suddenly seeing people in the room.

"Hey." Mitchell said holding a hand up as he started walking forward.

The man turned and ran away quickly in fear, still holding the object.

Teal'c slowly walked over and looked confused as well as he stood near Mitchell. They started hearing running and looked up as several people rushed into the room with staff weapons that were ready to fire. They raised their PC-90's as the people aimed their staff weapons.

"These are the weapons of our god, Quetesh." the man that had entered the room previously said. "Who are you?!"

"Just take it easy." Mitchell said trying to keep calm.

"Why are you here?!"

Daniel slowly strode forward with his hands up as he walked between Teal'c and Mitchell.

"We mean no harm." Daniel said.

The guy and his friends with the staff weapons all looked, scared suddenly or maybe afraid as they slowly lowered their weapons and got on the ground in a worship position. Daniel lowered his hands as the other two lowered their weapons. The guy who spoke to them looked up in fear.

"Please, forgive us. It has been so long. We began to fear you would not return."

The SG group slowly turned to see Vala walk out behind them in a pale green outfit that covered the necessities, but showed most of the skin. A small glowing object set into the clothes was just under her neck.

"Then you are foolish. I would not abandon you." she said in a Goa'uld voice. "I am your god."

Daniel was, confused and shocked as he looked at her with an open mouth. Mitchell was about the same but looked at Teal'c when Teal'c looked at him in confused. The people kept looking at the ground in fear.

About half an hour later, Mitchell and his team sat on the stone platform near the chair Vala sat in. Lots in not most of the people in the settlement were in the room. One of the guys was standing and telling a story.

"Not exactly Shakespeare." Daniel muttered.

"How is it that these people don't know that the Goa'uld have fallen?" Mitchell asked quietly.

"Well, these worlds are pretty isolated, and I would be surprised if anyone here actually knew who to operate the gate." Daniel said also being quiet.

"These humans must be told the truth." Teal'c said.

"I know." Daniel muttered as they kept watching. He got up as the people kept talking and leaned over near her. "What are you doing?"

"It's a play." she stated not looking away. "Don't worry. I think it will be over soon, then we'll eat."

"That's not what I'm talking about."

"We want to stop these people from falling victim to the Priors, that's what I'm going to do."

"This is not what I had in mind." he hissed.

"What your mind may or may not be able to imagine, is really not my concern. Now, kindly get out of your gods face."

Daniel looked at her very upset, she smiled as he moved away and sat down.

She smiled at the three people as the play stopped and they sat down again. The man that entered the building when SG-1 arrived, got up and stood in front of her.

"We had little rehearsal my Lord, but did it please you?"

"Yes. As always Azdak, you please your god greatly." she said holding her hands together as though she was about to clap.

He smiled with happiness.

"I'm glad it pleases you my Lord. You have been greatly missed."

She smiled and placed her hands on the arms of the chair.

"Now, I would like to hear about the visitor that arrived through the Chap'pai."

The people in the room looked very scared suddenly.

"It is pointless lying to your god, I am all knowing as well as beautiful."

Daniel and Mitchell both looked at her like she was nuts.

"He said…that he was here to save us. That our true gods await our devotion." Azdak said with fear.

"Lies. Meant to deceive you." she stated staring at him.

"I never believed a word he said my Lord. I swear it." he said holding his hands out.

"Somebody did."

"You have been absent for many seasons. Some thought that you had maybe abandoned us. They were weak my Lord. Please…..forgive them." he pleaded.

"Have I not been merciful to those have always deserved forgiveness?"

He nodded, a lot.

"Now go," she said looking away. "While I consider your punishment."

"Yes, of course." he said nodding again and then leaving with everyone.

After they left, she stood up and stretched.

"Well, that was easy."

"Shut that thing off!" Daniel almost yelled.

"Why must you continue to deceive these people?" Teal'c asked after she turned off the glowing stone under her neck.

"This is one of the many planets that Qetesh ruled over when I was her host. As you know, the Tok'ra eventually removed the symbiote, but not before her people rebelled and tortured me, thinking that we were one and the same." she said still stretching.

"And they couldn't tell the difference?" Mitchell asked standing up and looking at her. He walked down the steps past the other two and muttered, "Why am I not surprised."

He walked away exploring the different area's of the throne room.

"I was desolate." she said sitting down on the steps near Daniel and crossing her legs. "Fortunately, I discovered news that Qetesh's demise had not reached this little mining outpost."

"So you kept them mining naquada for you?" he asked with a tone that showed he was still in a unhappy mood with her.

"Just a tiny bit."

Daniel threw his hands into the air and shook his head.

"The mine was practically barren by the time I got here. But this planet acted as a safe haven for me until I got back on my feet." she said sounding sincere. Daniel was really upset.

"Look, I never killed anyone. I never tortured them. I was a wonderful god. Just ask them."

"I think we will." Daniel said quickly as he got up and started down the stairs.

"Why? You don't believe me?" she asked quickly stopping him at the bottom.

He turned to her with his hands on his hips.

"That, and I'm not totally convinced that they'll ultimately follow your ever command. Nor should that be the only reason they shouldn't follow the Priors." he said starting out again. She stopped him before he could even make five steps.

"I am still suppose to be their god. I can't exactly go out there and ask them if their going to listen to me."

"I wasn't expecting you to." he said walking again. Still not even five steps.

"What makes you think they're going to tell you the truth? You're suppose to be my faithful servants."

"Then I'll sort of explain to them that we are not as faithful as you believe, and if necessary, I'll also tell them we are plotting to kill you." he said forcefully as he pointed at her then stalked off quickly before she could stop him.

She was flustered.

"I have heard better plans!"

"I kinda like it." Mitchell said walking up in front of her.

"Shut up." she said walking back toward her chair.

Mitchell laughed lightly as Teal'c walked over.

"I'm not sure whether or not it would have been more interesting with the General here."

"I would say, more."

"I doubt he would have allowed this fiasco to even last this long, or at all."

"Indeed."

"I have been sick, for some time now." a man was telling them as they walked through the small encampments near the pyramid. "Since the last harvest, I've been more of a hindrance then a help to my family. I had even lost the ability to stand. The Prior, he cured me. He said it was the will of the Ori."

"Blasphemer!" Azdak said as he walked up. Teal'c and Mitchell got between him and the guy talking to Daniel.

"Just….take it easy." Mitchell said.

"I'm sorry, but I will not let him speak like that about Qetesh in my presence."

"Look, we're not out here to get anybody, we just want to hear what he has to say." Daniel said holding a hand out at the man. "Go ahead."

"The jewel in his staff glowed, he waved it over me, and I felt better than I ever have." he said happily as he told everyone that started gathering around. "All he asked in return was that I tell others, that I spread the word of the Ori. Then, upon his return…."

"When is this Prior to return?" Teal'c asked.

"Tomorrow. The Prior said that Qetesh is a false god! And when he returned, he would expose her weakness!"

"You are a fool!" Azdak growled. "Speak no more or I shall strike you down in the name of our true god!"

"I said….take it easy." Mitchell said getting in front of him quickly as the guy tried to rush forward.

"You should be thankful that Qetesh is so forgiving. And pray for when she slays the Prior for his wicked lies!" he said yelling it at the others. "She won't do the same to you!"

"Oh boy." Daniel muttered as Azdak started shouting the name Qetesh and how glory should be to her.

"Okay! You have made your point." Mitchell said shutting him up then turned back to Daniel. "Know when to stop."

"I think I need to talk to our one true god."

Mitchell nodded.

"If she starts being to much of a pain, call me and I'll get the General to come. Then she might be more forthcoming." Mitchell said as they walked away.

"Nice idea."

Inside the throne room, Vala was looking through a variety of gifts the people gave to her. Most if not all was in boxes of various sizes.

"So this is why you wanted to come back to this planet?!" Daniel asked as she closed a small golden box.

"All of this is mine." she stated moving to another large box. "I earned it. The people here have just been keeping it safe for me. And as you said, we can't 100 certain that these people are going to obey me, so if this planet does fall into the hands of the Priors…."

"Hello. You stealing this planets most valued treasures is the least of our concerns right now." Mitchell stated as he looked at some gold necklace or something that was wore around the neck anyway. He dropped it back into the small box she was looking in.

"I like your attitude." she said smiling at him as she leaned on the box with one arm. "I was thinking of cutting you boys in on 10. Now I'm thinking 20."

Mitchell wasn't amused as she lightly squeezed his nose.

"Despite your return, many of the villagers now believe the Ori to be true gods and worthy of their loyalty." Teal'c stated.
"All the more reason why we should pack all of this up and get out of here." she said walking over to them. "Are you going to pitch in or what?"

"Other's believe you will slay the Ori in a show of power upon his return." Teal'c stated.

"Tomorrow, hmmm. Well, tomorrow is not good for me."

When she started to walk away.

"You need to tell these people the truth." Daniel said.

"I have a lot of needs Daniel, but I assure you, that is not one of them."

"If you do not tell them the truth, we will." Teal'c stated.

"Yes, and who do you think they are actually going to believe?" she said standing in front of him.

"Look, commanding these people to believe you and not the Ori is not going to work, especially when that Prior comes back." Daniel stated angrily.

"And we do not want to get into a god-off." Mitchell said walking up to them. "Especially since we know you're not even close."

"Forget what I said about the 20." she said to his back.

"He's right. We can't trade one lie for another lie."

"All right. What can we fight them with, then? How can we stop this Prior from corrupting the people?" she said almost stabbing Daniel with her fingers.

"We have a very limited window of opportunity here. If you expose yourself as a false god…"

She started to walk away hearing this.

"If you tell these people how you fooled them and why, we might be able to make them skeptical of the Priors."

"Or it could push these people into thinking the Prior's are gods even more." she said walking back in front of him then turning away walking back forth between them all.

"No, the only chance these people have, the only chance any of us has against the Priors, is to show that we will not accept the Ori as gods. No matter what happens, we must reject them!" he said strongly. "True enlightenment must begin with the truth."

"Oh please. The truth is so overrated." she said with a sigh.

He grabbed her arms gently.

"Look, for once, just do the right thing, okay? You'll feel good about it afterwards. Trust me."

Several moments later, Vala was striped of her clothes and had to put the ones she came in back on, then was placed in a large metal cage. The rest of the team was standing nearby.

"Really, this… this is unnecessary." Daniel said almost pleading like as the door was closed.

"You will be executed first light tomorrow." Azdak stated. "Imposter."

He spat at the ground near her and walked away.

"So Daniel…"

He leaned closer.

"When does that warm and glowy feeling from doing the right thing kick in?" she asked with a pleasant but sarcastic tone. "Because I'm not there yet."

"I can't believe you all just stood there and let them imprison me!" she exclaimed as she kicked the bars, climbed onto the bed and hung onto the ceiling.

"What were we suppose to do?" Daniel asked leaning on the outside.

"You have guns, don't you?" she asked with a really upset tone.

"There was like over a hundred people there!" he said surprised at her suggested.

"And?"

"Just relax. We're going to get you out of this." he said as she moved to the middle of the room to pace.

"Oh, you are?"

Daniel gave her a look.

"I feel a lot better. I'm sorry." she said turning away then turning back quickly as she spoke with a raised voice that turned into a shout. "I got a little nervous with the whole….EXECUTION looming and all! Especially if they do it the way I think!"

"Look, believe me. It's not going to come to that." he said trying to calm her down. "Mitchell and Teal'c are talking to them right now."

"Have you forgotten that if I die, you die?" she asked walking up and crossing her arms.

"Believe me, it is not going to come to that. Trust me."

She gasped in mockery and sat down with her back facing him.

"This time."

"If they find out about my…secret Daniel, it could be a long time before I get free, if at all." she whispered.

"Unless they take your head." he muttered.

"Don't even joke about that! Much less mention it."

Teal'c and Mitchell were talking to Azdak in what was once the throne room.

"Fine, she made a mistake. It was a big mistake. It was a whopper! But you just can't kill her!"

"Why not?" the man asked with extreme conviction.

Mitchell couldn't come up with anything so he looked at Teal'c who was just to the right of the man.

"A little help?"

"Does she not deserve a trial to explain the things she has done?"

Azdak scoffed.

"I think we have a pretty good idea of what she did and why." he said heading past Mitchell. Mitchell grabbed his shoulder and didn't let go.

"Your people are looking for leadership. They are looking to you." Mitchell said letting go. "So you've got to decide. What kind of society do you want to have? One where people get executed without explaining their actions?"

"You want to hold a Mal Doran?"

Mitchell turned around and quietly whispered, "Isn't that her name?"

Teal'c nodded.

"Qetesh established the process several years ago." Azdak explained after Mitchell showed he didn't know what it meant. "A way to settle disputes between two parties."

"Fine. That sounds…fitting." Mitchell said waving a hand. "We're going to hold a Mal Doran!"

Vala was currently trying to see if she could get through the bar, but she was just a little too big. Daniel was slightly watching when Mitchell walked in.

"Hey, how'd it go?" he asked walking over.

"Well, you know…."

"What's the plan?" she asked extricating herself from the bars and walking over. "You going to blow up this door? Lay down suppressing fire so we can rush out through the hidden escape passage?"

They looked at her.

"It's in the room I told you that had no other exit."

Daniel smacked the bars in front of her lightly making her flinch.

"They're going to put you on trial tomorrow."

She thought a moment.

"I like my plan better."

"It kinda is your plan. It's named after you."

"Oh, Mal Doran. They going to let me be the judge?" she said a little happy with the news.

"Don't think so."

"Then it's not a real Mal Doran is it?" she said turning away.

"Actually this couldn't have worked out better." Daniel stated as he thought.

"Actually, I think it could have." she said turning back around.

"No, a trial is public. We can use the forum to expose what it is to be a false god and warn the community about the Priors."

Mitchell liked the idea and nodded at Daniel's thought.

"You're right actually. We can get them all worked up about false gods and they can kill me as an example to the others."

"Look, I persuaded them to let you stay here for the night." Mitchell said.

"Right, thanks." Daniel said being slightly sarcastic. He didn't have much of a choice anyway.

"Yeah. Well, I'll see you guys in the morning." he said walking off waving.

"Thank you. I apologize for ever doubting your masterful skills at negotiating!"

"He's doing the best he can."

"That's what terrifies me!"

"Mitchell?" he said through his com quickly.

"Yes?"

"Bring me a cup of coffee tomorrow. Ford knows how I like it."

"Gotta, one sugar flavored coffee."

"Thanks." he said signing off.

"Wait, what about me?"

"What about you?"

She growled and turned away.

"Who is it Walter?"

"It's SG-1 General."

"Unfortunately, not officially."

"Right General. I forgot. Opening the Iris."

As Mitchell and Teal'c walked down the ramp and as the gate closed. Ford looked past them by tilting his body. The confused look on his face was all Mitchell needed.

"Daniel convinced Vala to tell the people the truth. And they put her in a nice metal jail. She's going on trial tomorrow. We're going to go back to try and keep her from getting executed. I was able to convince the people to allow Daniel…."

"To stay with her. Figures. That girl is so much trouble." he muttered while shaking his head then suddenly started laughing.

"What's so funny General?"

"Daniel asked for you to bring him coffee didn't he?"

"Yeah. He did. That's almost scary General."

"Not really. I work with him on translations sometimes so…..anyway. I'm going home for the night. Submit a report later after the 'whole' mission is complete. Don't forget to remind me to give you that coffee to take in the morning."

"Got it General. See you tomorrow. Tell Sam I look forward to working with her again, if she returns."

"I'm trying to get her to come back. I'll let her know you said hi Teal'c."

"Indeed." he said as Ford walked out.

Ford drove up to the house seeing a few lights on in it. As he walked in, he heard Sam and her mom talking. The baby stroller down stairs was empty and glancing into the kitchen he saw Sam was holding her, feeding her actually. After hanging his coat and removing his holsters, he walked in hearing them laughing about something and saw Janet was also there.

"Hey Janet. Something wrong?"

"No, the baby was a little colicky and she called me over."

"Catnip." he said.

"We know." they all said.

"You told me some remedies once." Janet said.

"Where's Cassandra?"

"At home, hopefully in bed since it's a school night, instead of on the phone to her boyfriend."

"Doubtful to the first, more than likely yes to the second." he said sitting down at the table with them. "If she's anything like I've heard, like Sam here."

Sam looked at him and shook her head.

"She won't go to bed unless ordered, or you have to put her to bed. You tell them what I did to you once?"

"Yes. Janet told her what Daniel and Jack saw you do." Sam said blushing slightly.

"I wish I could have been there to see you carry her out." Janet said.

"I tried to get the security tapes, but Sam tapered with them the next day."

"I didn't get into to much trouble." she said setting the bottle aside.

"Ford?"

(A.U. Since they have never named Sam's mother, and until they actually do, I'm going to say her name was, or in this case, is….Amy.)

"Yes Amy?"

"I just learned something very interesting about you."

His smile fell quickly.

"Oh no. What did you tell her?"

"I have a lot of respect for you for how you have treated Sam. And despite the shirts you like to wear…"

"Not you too. Mitchell is riding me on it enough." he moaned.

"I know you stay away from the adult types, but some of those cartoons…."

"Are rather graphic. I know. Sally won't be seeing them and I don't watch them around her. I watch them while I work, at the SGC."

"I know you don't. But I wanted you to know I am proud of how you waited till marrying my daughter before having sex." she said patting his hand. "That shows a lot respect for oneself and for Sam."

"Who told?" he asked looking at the two.

"We didn't tell her. She figured it out herself, then asked me." Sam said.

"What gave me away?"

"Your walk and personality. And a few other things Sam has told me."

"Does…dad know?"

"No, Jacob doesn't know." Amy said chuckling.

"Actually, you should tell him then. When he first found out about my crush…well, I wouldn't call it a crush, he told me he'd kill me if I hurt her. That scared me more than when Jack said it."

"It did take him awhile to get used to you." Sam said. "I'm going to put her to bed."

"I'll do it." he said starting to get up.

"I got it, but thanks. I need to use the restroom anyway."

After she left.

"I can tell your worried about something Ford, what's wrong?" Janet asked.

"I debating on whether to tell Sam that Daniels in danger."

"Again?"

"This time isn't a little worse."

"What sort of danger?" Janet asked leaning on the table. "Is it medi…"

"No. He's off world." he said explaining quickly about Vala and Daniel situation.

"They're still linked?"

"Somehow they are. Doctor Lee figures it has something to do with the Ancient communication device. Whatever the case, if she gets sentenced for an execution….she'll come back if they don't take her head off. Daniel…."

"Her head off?" Amy asked uncertain.

"You mean that Vala lady is…"

"Unfortunately. The other problem is if they do….that, then Mitchell and the others will be in trouble because of the energy release…."

"What energy release?"

"I was telling them about….the head cutting problem."

"Now you're lying." Sam said sitting near him again and pointing a finger. "I have that on and hear just about everything."

They looked to see the intercom to the baby room was on.

"I just….you got enough to worry about and I couldn't get away to go with them and help."

"That's it. I'm coming back. Someone else can have the job at Area 51. I should have known if Daniel didn't make that ship, he was going to get into trouble."

"Mitchell has been hounding me to ask you to come back."

"Wait a minute. This isn't some sort of…"

"No. Daniel's with her, but not in the cage thankfully. She propositioned him the other day."

"How can we believe this is…" Janet started asking.

"He asked me to send coffee through, with Mitchell."

"Oh god. This is serious." Sam said really worried.

"Yeah, it is. If they need help, they are to call the base and I'll be coming with reinforcements. Not that I'll need them, but…."

"Since this is real…sir." she said with a smile. "I officially state that I am coming back, but don't let them know just yet."

"You do that on purpose." he said waving a finger.

"Because I can get away with it."

"Well, I need to get home to Jacob, before he thinks I'm staying the night. Goodnight Sam." she said kissing her on the forehead.

"Quick thing before you two go. I got some interesting information today from the President. Once the Stargate program goes public, and its…employees become known, people will see Sam's face in a new book."

"What?" Sam asked.

"Sam, you are considered one of the greatest minds in this century, and even more important because you're a woman. You're going to be put into the world record books up there next to Einstein, Copernicus and such."

"I'm what?" she said in shock. "But…"

"Congratulations Sam!" the two woman exclaimed giving her a hug.

"You deserve it Sam. After everything you've done for this planet, you should be recognized." Janet said.

"I haven't seen anything you've done dear, but I always believed you'd become something special. Though I was thinking President of the U.S.A." Amy said.

"Well Sam, what do you think?" he asked.

"Ah,…..I'm going to have to say something won't I?" she said sighing.

"Too far away to tell." he said standing with Sam.

Amy hugged the other two then walked out the door.

"Having mom and dad living next door has its advantages." Sam said.

"I need to get home too. Just in case Cass is still up."

"Janet, is Sam okay?"

"What…" Sam started saying when he held a hand up.

"If you're asking what I'm thinking, no." Janet said putting her coat on.

"I did not ask that. If I did, it would a straight question." he stated.

"She can go back on semi hard foods. I want her to take it easy though for at least another week. No undue pressure on that stomach yet. And if you truly go back to work, be careful on the coffee intake."

"Yes doctor." she muttered.

"You're welcome too. Goodnight Sam, Ford." she said then walked out.

"Why did…"

"I asked to find out if I can make you breakfast in bed, other than some smoothie."

"Oh."

"I ain't going to tell her, but I was asking for the other reason too."

"I knew that. God I hate waiting. If only you had one of those healing devices."

"I am a little better at it. Not that I've had much chance to practice though. I could….steal one, really. A few forgeries here…"

She gave him a surprised and confused look.

"I was kidding. I could try borrowing it though. I know where it is."

"Well, I have a surprise for you dear." she said putting a finger on his chest lightly. "Sally is already crawling."

"Wow. Getting a head start on life like me. Impressive."

The next morning, Mitchell and them started to leave.

"We have forgotten something Colonel Mitchell."

"What is that Teal'c?"

"This Colonel. Daniel would kill you, or get himself killed if he couldn't think straight." Ford said walking up the ramp and handing over a rather large lunchbox.

"Oh, right. I did forget about the coffee, and considering your cooking, I'm not surprised you're sending this as well. Thanks General. I'll bring them both back. Count on it."

"I'll be waiting just in case. Hey, tell Daniel that Sally is crawling and that he has to come home and see it."

"She's what? But she's…."

"I know. Strange to hear at her age. I did the same thing, but I started crawling a week after being born, so I ain't worried."

"Wow. I'll tell him." Mitchell said still surprised. "Congratulations General."

Teal'c nodded to him and gave him a Jaffa handshake before taking off with Mitchell. A few hours later, and a much happier Daniel from the coffee intake and what Ford made, plus the baby info. Despite the pain she was, he did share with her. A table was set up on both sides of the room in the once called throne room. Mitchell and his team sat behind one table with Vala while the other side consisted of a few of the people from outside, including Azdak. A lot of the people were standing around watching the proceedings. Azdak got up and started talking about Vala, prosecuting her.

"Welcome, and thank you all for coming. Unlike, in the past, the final decision of this Mal Doran, will be yours my friends. A general vote!" he said with outstretched hands. "After both presentations have been made, we shall all decide what is to be done to the false god Qetesh!"

The people murmured and nodded as a man walked up to Azdak with a rolled up scroll.

"We are pleading innocent right?" Vala asked Daniel quietly.

"You already confessed." he stated.

"A girl can change her mind, can't she." she stated with a smile. Mitchell rolled his eyes.

"We shall begin, as always, with the beginning of the claims." Azdak said unrolling the scroll. "The first claim of seven, mass murder."

"Wait a second!" she cried.

"The second claim of seven, mass torture." he said looking at her with contempt.

"I never killed. I never tortured. That was Qetesh." she stated pulling on Daniel arm. He raised a finger and stood.

"The third claim of seven…."

"Uh, excuse me, hi. Sorry to interrupt. The person seated before you, didn't do those things." he said while she shook her head agreeing with Daniel and not with the charges.

"You will have your chance to make your presentation." Azdak stated.

"Yes, I'm sure I will. But I need to make something clear. As we discussed when she confessed, Vala was a host to a Goa'uld. A parasite that controlled her actions, for many years. It was that Goa'uld symbiote, named Qetesh, that committed those atrocities that you're talking about. Vala can only be held responsible herself, for the actions she did, after that Goa'uld was removed."

"When exactly was that?" he asked with a sigh.

"Uh…" he said then leaned down as she whispered into his ear. "Four….four years."

Azdak walked back to his table and consulted with a couple of men. He came to the center of the room.

"Very well. Assuming your assertion to be true…" he said then turned back to everyone else. "We shall begin again. The first claim of four….planetary wide forced labor!"

She looked off in another direction as Daniel looked at her then closed his eyes as she said nothing.

"This is going to be a long day." Mitchell muttered looking at Teal'c.

"Indeed."

About an hour later.

"I, perhaps more than any of you, feel great sorrow, at the fact that I devoted my love and faith, so freely, to an imposter." Azdak said forcefully as he pointed at her after addressing everyone. "That cared only for the naquada in our mines."

Daniel wasn't really coming up with anything that could possibly save her. Mostly, it was save himself, unless they killed her by be-head-ment, in which case they both died.

"With every breath, she lied. With every effort, she stole." he said addressing the crowd again. "At every chance, she betrayed us. The conditions of poverty that we now suffer, are her fault and hers alone! That is what you must consider!"

He walked away as the crowd talked.

"He's good." Mitchell stated.

"I'm dead. Possibly."

Daniel stood, thinking of what to say as he walked to the middle of the room.

"Yes. She stole. She betrayed you. She used you as slave labor. This is true."

Vala was confused.

"That's not the opening statement I would have gone for." she said to Mitchell. He told her to shush as Daniel continued.

"But the only reason you know about this, is because she told you. She came forward, knowing how you feel, knowing full well what the consequences would be. Ask yourselves, you would she do this? She did it because there is a greater threat in this galaxy she thought you deserved to know about. She told the truth in order to open your eyes. To show you the dangers of giving away your free will. In the hopes, that given another chance, you might not make the same mistake twice." he said pacing around.

"We know that a Prior of the Ori has come here. He has been sent to this village to convince you to worship beings more powerful than all of us. But you must know, that like Vala, they are not gods." he stated.

"You speak well Daniel Jackson of the planet Earth." a voice said.

Everyone turned and those sitting got up to see the Prior was standing in the doorway. Daniel and Vala noticed it was the guy in charge of the village they had been transported to before when they learned about the Ori. Except he was now a Prior. Teal'c and Mitchell got their weapons ready quickly, but didn't aim them.

"What is a god?" he asked walking in and removing his hood. "What power is great enough for you to bow down in humble reverence?"

"That's the one that tried to burn us to death, twice." she whispered to Mitchell.

"There is only one measure. The only question you may ask yourself is, why must I believe?" he said walking through the people toward Daniel. "What is there for any and all to gain by following the path of Origin? Those seeking eternal salvation by seeking the word of the Ori."

He stopped in front of Daniel holding onto his staff.

"Those that do not, shall die as mortals. It is as simple as that. The day of reckoning is at hand! Your destiny awaits." he said with a smile.

"He's pretty good too." Mitchell muttered.

"We are so dead." she muttered back with a slight bit of fear.

"I have told them of the Ori Prior. Many of us believe." the man that was talking to them before about the Prior in the small village outside said getting on his knees near Daniel.

"But not all of us." Daniel stated.

"You doubt the power of the Ori?" the Prior asked Daniel.

"No. But I understand how they got it. And because of that, I'm not going to abandon my own free will to worship them to do it."

"The Ori healed this man, this man that was sick." the Prior said pointing at the man kneeling. "This man who could barely walk."

"This man was healed through knowledge." Daniel said waving a hand at the man then walking back to his table. "We have medicine, we have tools that can do much of the same thing."

He walked over to the other table and picked up a Goa'uld healing hand object.

"This device…has the power to heal." he stated showing it off. "If you know how to use it, but not by magical power. It's called technology."

"Technology." the Prior said smiling but with a mocking tone.

"Yes. Knowledge, understanding. Of the way things work, of the science of the universe."

"Maybe so." he said leaning forward and then walking around the people.

"But consider this, there are two men. One is starving and the other has a plentiful crop. Is it not wrong for the fortunate man to hoard is harvest? Should he not share with his hungry brother? It is the same with knowledge and understanding. As you have said, the Ori have a greater understanding of the universe." he said walking up to Daniel again.

"But most importantly, they are willing to share it with us, out of their love for us, their creation. Only a fool would turn away."

"Just because the Ori know more than we do, doesn't make them gods." Daniel said walking around him. "They are beings that were once like you and me. But they evolved. They learned of humanities potential. Eventually, over time, they used the knowledge to shed their physical bodies and live as energy on another, higher place of existence."

"Which side is he on?" Vala asked confused.

Mitchell ignored her.

"You are all children of the Ori." the Prior stated loudly and with a smile. "But you have been raised by evil. The true nature of the universe has been kept from you by powers that would have you stray from the path of Origin. It is time to open your eyes. Let Origin show you the way."

Daniel turned and walked away as he spoke.

"Maybe hoarding knowledge is wrong, or maybe it's not. Maybe learning something for yourselves, is part of the journey to enlightenment." he said then turned around to look at the Prior.

"But, killing someone with your power, because they won't worship you, is wrong. Very wrong." he said walking forward. "Knowledge is power, but how you use that power defines whether you are good, or evil."

"The choice is yours." the Prior stated.

"Give us another chance, I beg of you. Please, spare us all." the man on the floor begged.

"Believe in the power of the Ori…" he said placing a hand on the guys head. "Or be laid down in the dust."

The Prior turned and walked out. The man got up and people murmured amongst themselves or started leaving.

"Escort the prisoner back to the cell."

"Wait." Daniel said quickly getting in front of him.

"We are done with the Mal Doran for now. We will vote on her punishment and discuss other issues that we face." Azdak said waving a hand.

"I know what the Ori is saying may be very tempting." Daniel said trying to get through to the guy.

"We are poverty stricken." Azdak stated with fierceness. "As a society, we may not be able to survive much longer. We thought our god would provide for us."

He pointed at her with contempt as he spoke the last words.

"Why should we reject the knowledge and education to better ourselves?"

"But you can have all that without giving up your freedom." Daniel stated. "Don't you see how wrong it is to enforce belief by threatening the lives of your very people?"

"As the Ori said, would we not be ignorant and deserving of punishment, for failing to see the plain truth before us." he said looking past Daniel at Vala again. He made a motion as the guards went to Vala. "Leave us. We shall deliberate."

Back at the base, Ford was trying not to worry about Daniel and the others. A Prior was suppose to show up on the planet today, and that spelled danger. With what he unofficially called, SG-1, being off world, he had no one to talk to, at least on the base. So he called home finding Janet was over again, which made him feel better. Though he didn't have as much time as he wanted to talk to her. Another team had to have a briefing before going to another planet. After that, he went down to the commissary to have lunch.

"Do you mind if I sit here doctor?" he asked seeing her eating and looking at some folder.

"Not at all General."

"I've left what is being called a, suggestion box, for the heads of the other departments. So if they can't talk to me in person and such."

"I know about it."

"I haven't read anything in there from you."

"I haven't had any need of anything that I know of. My department is doing just fine."

"Jack…General O'Neill was going to try an idea that I had in mind, but he never got a chance to implement it. And he really liked the idea. I'm going to guess that you never heard it either since I haven't seen any around."

"If you mean the game system idea, I thought it wasn't a great idea." she said taking a drink.

"But it would keep everyone that stuck in there occupied when they don't feel like sleeping. I know Jack had his game boy that he would play sometimes. You know, I have never found out what he played. Sam knew but promised Jack she'd never tell anyone."

"Hmm. Well, playing games while trying to recuperate isn't healthy. Aggravation can only make things worse. Books are a better idea."

"Books will eventually put you to sleep though, especially if you're recovering."

"That's the point." she said with a smile. "A sleeping patient, is a healing patient. Not to mention a quiet one too."

"True. You want a bookshelf brought in then for you to place books?"

"Actually that might not be a bad idea. The question now is, do I get to choose the reading material?"

"It's your department. No adult stuff though."

She gave him a look only woman can. Several of the men behind him cringed from seeing it.

"I was being serious. Some people have asked, anonymously. None of that stuff is allowed, but anything else okay." he said picking up his empty plate as he got up. "Oh, nice try doc. Only Sam can get me with that look."

"What about your mother?" she asked sternly.

He stopped for a moment and took a deep breath.

"Never got that look from her, but then, when she was around, it was always family time. Short though it was. I have something else I have to tell you though." he said sitting down again and lowering his voice. "I know who General Landry really is. And no, I didn't look up info on him or you. He's called twice to ask about you, and all I've done is report what I know, professionally. Anything else he ask, I've told him to call you personally for those questions. Now, my question is, if he shows up here, will your dad do anything I need to be prepared for to protect you or otherwise?"

"No General." she said after a moment. "It's family trouble, but nothing physical. I'd rather not talk about it at all."

"Not a problem. You just call or come up if anything changes. Oh, Sally's crawling already."

"Wow. That's, unusual, but given your and Colonel Carter's unique physiology, that might be normal. Just let me know if anything else comes up that seems too strange or unusual."

Daniel was sitting next to the jail wall, outside the cage on the left. Vala was sitting on the other side, inside the cage, on the right with one leg stretched out and her arms holding the other. Teal'c and Mitchell were sitting on the floor in the doorway to the room playing a card game. From the looks of it, it was war or high card.

"You need to work on your anti-Ori speech." Vala stated. "That Prior almost had me believing, well not believing, but willing enough to say I believe."

"I know."

"You are asking people to stand up and put their lives on the line."

"I really believe that is it the only way we are going to be able to defend ourselves against them."

"We could try shooting them." she suggested.

He smiled lightly.

"You said the Priors are human, right? A few well aimed shots might at least get their attention."

"Well, you study enough religions, you find that killing the missionaries doesn't overall combat the philosophy. Though I have to say, Ford would agree with shooting them."

"Knowing what I can tell of him, he would. But the problem is, that what the Priors are offering sounds quite good. Until you get to the whole prostrating and burning people alive thing."

"There's that, and I don't think any of us have read the real fine print yet."

"Meaning?"

"Well, I personally know, without a doubt, that the Priors are bad."

"So creepy." she muttered.

"And the believe or die is a archaic moral standing. You know, the Ori are wrong for doing what they are doing, but the part that I haven't figured out yet, what is really bothering me, is why are they doing it? I mean, why do they care if people worship them or not?"

Seconds later Azdak walked in and walked past the two on the floor as he approached the cage. Mitchell and Teal'c stood up quickly as he walked by. Daniel and Vala also stood as he stopped short of the cage.

"We have decided to spare your life." he said with a hint of sadness.

"Really? Thank you." she said being polite and meaning it.

"Your punishment, will be spent in imprisonment, for the rest of your life."

"What?! Azdak, after everything we've been through….." she said trying to reason with the man. Even Daniel was scared of the notion of her being imprisoned that long and it showed by the worry on his face. She made a hand gesture of them being close. "Together!"

"You made me rub your feet." he said in disgust.

She smacked Daniel's arm looking for help, but he didn't do anything.

"Weren't you justly rewarded? Anyway, the occasional massage here and there hardly justifies life imprisonment!"

"You lied, and abused the people of this planet!"

"What about the Prior?" Daniel asked.

"Wait a minute." she said tapping his arm. "We're not done here with me yet."

"Yes, we are." he said staring hard at her then looking at Daniel. "As for the Prior, the settlement is divided. Many believe the Ori are worthy of our devotion."

"And you?" he asked lightly.

Before Azdak could speak, another man raced in and stopped behind Mitchell and Teal'c.

"Vachna has fallen ill."

"Isn't he the guy the Prior healed?" Daniel asked.

"Yes." Azdak said.

"Please hurry. We fear he might be close to death."

Azdak started leaving with the man.

"Hey, um…maybe we can help." Daniel said.

Outside in the settlement, the man who was touched by the Ori, was laying on a makeshift bed. He didn't look well and was complaining of pain.

"I don't want you near me!" he said waving Vala away as she started kneeling next to him.

"Take it easy." she said trying to help the man with a Goa'uld healing device on her hand.

"It's okay, she's not going to hurt him." Daniel said to Azdak who looked ready to toss her away again.

Azdak nodded and she activated the device over his chest and abdomen. A few seconds later she took it away.

"There. How do you feel now?" she asked with concern.

"What have you done to me?" he asked in astonishment.

"Hmm. Making people feel good is a natural talent of mine." she said as Daniel knelt down near the head of the bed.

"Can you sit up?"

The man did so and she got off the dirt and sat on the end.

"I do not understand. How did you do it?" he said feeling no more pain.

Daniel took the device from her and held it up.

"This is a tool, just like a hammer or shovel, just a lot more complicated. Just because you don't understand something at first, doesn't mean it's the magic of the gods." he stated with a small smile.

Azdak believed her intentions to be true in wanting to help the man and was letting her stay free, for the moment. They walked away talking about the Prior.

"You think that if we are united, and tell this Prior that we will not heed his words, that he will merely just go away and leave us alone?" Azdak asked as they walked through the settlement.

"Well, I wish I could say for sure what will happen, but what I know is that you have to make a stand."

"Whatever happens, we'll be here to back you up." Mitchell said walking with them.

"But ultimately it's going to be up to you and your people." Daniel said as they stopped in an open area of the settlement.

"In exchange for saving Vachna's life, I've decided to re-open the issue of your life imprisonment." he said turning to her.

"Thank you." she said sincerely with a smile. "I have to admit, that it did make me feel rather good."

"I'm sure you thought there might be a reward." Daniel stated.

"That's not why I did it." she stated giving Daniel a glare. He nodded not believing it.

"Speaking of rewards, the entirety of your property will be kept here as a payment of your punishment." Azdak stated.

"Now hang on a minute…" she started saying when Azdak suddenly became dizzy and almost fell over. Daniel and her both caught him quickly.

"You alright?" Daniel asked.

"Ah yes. It's just been a very long day." he said shaking his head and blinking.

A man came running up fast and grabbed Azdak's arm.

"Azdak, you must come quickly!"

"What is it?"

"Many have fallen."

He looked at them and started following the man when he to fell to the ground and didn't get up. Vala, Daniel and the man rushed over and found he was unconscious. Mitchell and Teal'c started walking toward them slowly in confusion.

About an hour later or more, all of the people who had passed out were in a open area in the temple. Daniel was looking over one of the people while Teal'c and Mitchell were bringing more people on. Vala was currently using the healing device on Azdak who was covered in a blanket and lying on one of the beds that were not on the ground. He awoke seeing her using the device on him.

"Thank you. You are truly blessed." he said sitting up.

"Oh, I don't know about that." she said.

Daniel turned from the person he was looking at that was on the ground to her left.

"I'm just doing the best that I can." she said.

"How many have fallen ill?" Azdak asked.

"I've lost count, but it's a lot." she said sadly.

"Whatever this thing is, it's spreading like wildfire." Daniel said walking over then kneeling down to whisper it. "Come on, we need you over here."

"We'll talk about my treasure later." she said then got up following Daniel.

Ford came down the stairs quickly as Walter called out an unscheduled activation.

"Who is it Walter?"

"It's Colonel Mitchell General. Opening the Iris now."

"Okay."

"He's calling us by radio."

"What's up Mitchell?" Ford asked seeing his face on the screen.

"We got a problem General. Might want to get the doc up there so I don't have to repeat myself. Time is of the essence."

"Got it." he said grabbing the phone. "Doctor Lam to the control room."

Moments later after she arrived, he gave a run down.

"We're doing our best to quarantine the sick. Vala's using the healing device to cure them as they come in, but they are piling up quick." Mitchell said.

"What's the symptoms?" she asked.

"Weakness, high fever, chest and stomach pains….they have trouble breathing. Some of the extreme cases have gone into shock before Vala could even get to them."

"It doesn't sound like we're dealing with something that transfers from person to person. Not that fast." she said crossing her arms. "We could be looking at a common source, possibly water or food."

Mitchell nodded on the screen, not agreeing completely with her.

"Oh, I think I possibly know the source." he said with distain.

"You're thinking the Prior." Ford said.

"Yeah. They're trying to show what they can do. And how they'll do it."

"How are you and your team Colonel?" she asked.

"We are doing fine. But I reckon, we could use some backup." he said looking behind him.

"It's on the way. Let them know help is coming."

"Got it General." he said signing off.

"Doctor, get whatever you need. Anyone you think you need to take as well. Anything you need off base, let me know. Call ahead so the gate will be ready for you to leave as you walk in the door." he said as they walked out of the control room.

"Thank you General. If I have anything, I'll let you know." she said walking away quickly.

"Walter, get the gate ready to dial that planet back. As soon as she calls through…"

"Already on it General."

"Good man. I need to make a phone call now."

Vala was in the throne room thinking. She was sitting on the small flight of stairs to her former chair as Daniel walked in. She looked rather upset, as to not being able to help as much as she wished.

"You all right?" he asked as he sat down.

"No."

He let out a breath of air.

"You can do this."

"I'm not so sure." she said sounding ready to cry.

"I know using that hand device must be taking a lot out of you, but we really, really, need your help right now."

"Each one is just getting harder. Each time, it is taking longer and they just keep coming. I don't think I can save this whole village Daniel." she said losing hope.

"You have to keep trying."

"Jackson, we got a problem here." Mitchell's voice said through his com.

He grabbed his com unit with a sigh.

"Give me a minute."

"Now please." he said with a tone that meant it was an order.

Daniel left and came out to see Azdak was on one of the beds again and in pain.

"He was just fine earlier." Daniel stated with confusion as he and Teal'c stood over him. Vala came out moments later seeing the man as well.

"Well, he's not fine now." Mitchell stated standing on the other side.

"I healed him." she stated looking at Azdak then at them in surprised confusion. "If they continue to get re-infected, this will never end."

Azdak spoke as she tried to heal him again.

"We must give in." he said weakly. "They are too powerful."

"No. It's okay. I'm here." she said sadly as she used the device.

As she continued to work on Azdak, the SGC had already opened the gate and the medical supplies went through with some of the nurses and other doctors.

"Doctor Lam." Ford said catching her before she entered the gate room.

"Yes General?" she said waving the other people to continue.

"Be careful out there. I'd rather not have your father come after me."

She actually looked surprised.

"I'm going to guess there's more than just family troubles, like you said, but it's none of my business. I had to report in to the President what was happening and in doing so…General Landry and O'Neill heard about it. They all said to be careful, but your father was a little more…"

"Caring." she stated. "Yeah. I got it General. We're going to do the best we can. I'll call if I need anything."

"You know what you're doing better than I would. Good luck."

Daniel was looking over Azdak, who she just tried working on and barely got anywhere. He looked back to see her working on someone else, but she shook her head with a look that said it was not working anymore.

"Hey, thanks for coming." Mitchell said walking over as Doctor Lam came out of the pyramid.

He and Teal'c were standing out of the way and watching since they could do little else. She and the people she brought with her all had on red isolation suit outfits.

"This is worse than I thought."

"Yeah," he said glancing around. "They are falling pretty fast."

"We're going to need a place to work."

"This way." he said nodding and motioning to follow.

Sometime later and most if not all of the village down. They were already doing blood work, even in small area's around the people instead of the area that Mitchell showed Lam she could use. Barely anyone was left standing and a lot of them looked like they were going to die soon. Daniel was next to one of the assistances talking to them when Vala walked a few feet away and motioned him over.

"What?" he asked quietly.

"This, is not working anymore." she stated holding the healing device up. He took the device as she let go. "I'm sorry."

"You have to at keep trying, at least put on a show to keep their hopes up. I mean, we know you can do that."

"See, this is exactly why I never think of trying to help people." she stated almost hysterically, despite the fact they were whispering. "I'm terrible at it. Because of me, these poor souls are either going to die horribly or they are going to give into the Prior in hopes that he will heal them."

"It's not because of you!"

She jumped slightly as rage entered her voice, but she didn't scream, though feeling like it.

"I cannot make them better! And, if I hadn't been so worried about my precious treasure, I would never had opened my big, fat, mouth and we would have never come here!"

"And these people would still have to either convert to Origin or face the consequences." he said quickly. "That's a dilemma the rest of the galaxies also going to have to worry about."

Doctor Lam approached them as Daniel was talking. From the looks on her face, it wasn't good news.

"May I speak with you?" she asked.

Daniel nodded and handed the device back to Val then followed. Vala and Teal'c also walked along.

"I have pretty much ruled out bacterial infection at this point." she said as they walked into the throne room. "I'm treating with a anti-viral cocktail. We're just going to have to wait and see."

"Any idea why the hand device seems to lost it's effectiveness?" he asked.

"First, I'd have to understand remotely how that things works." she said stopping in the middle of the room. "I do know that it's not unheard of for virus's to mutate and become immune to whatever's trying to attack it. Obviously in this case, we are dealing with something more than just your garden variety super bug."

"All right, I don't know if this helps, but we know that the Ancients were almost wiped out by a similar plague." Daniel stated. "I'm just bringing it up in case there's already something in the research that has already been done."

"You think that the Ori gave it to them?" Vala said more than asked. He nodded.

"I am aware that SG-1 was infected with a virus and then cured by an Ancient found frozen down in Antarctica. I am also aware that the General hadn't showed up by then, which is a good thing since he is one, or the son of from what I hear."

"Yeah." Daniel said.

"I don't want him here at all either. If he gets this, then it could very well kill him much quicker."

"I doubt it. He's got that Immortal thing going so…"

"True, but I'd rather not take the chance. But as to the Antarctica incident, the symptoms and rate of progression here are almost completely similar."

"Do you have hypothesis as to why we have not been infected?" Teal'c asked from just behind her.

"No. We are still looking at your blood work. Excuse me."

Teal'c and her left the room, she more quickly than Teal'c.

"Feel my head, am I hot? More hotter than usual." she asked grabbing his hand and placing on her forehead. "Well, you know what I mean."

"No. You're Immortal just like Ford, so you have nothing to worry about." he said removing his hand. "It's everyone else we need to worry about."

"Hey, she just said that your friend could get killed…."

"I seriously doubt some sickness is going to be his death, if at all."

Doctor Lam had Teal'c dial the SGC so she could make a report. After she had made the report which included the talk with Daniel.

"I'm sorry General. I'm sure you know how much I wanted to walk in here and solve this and then give a good report."

"Hey, not everyone is perfect. Not even me. You're trying your best, which is all I expect. We're dealing with the evil versions of the Ancients. Anything we can do to help?" he said sadly.

"Not yet General. I've seen some bad situations before, but nothing like this. I advise you from coming at all General, if the information Daniel suggested is correct."

"Yeah. Since you said that Vala can't get the healing device to work, then there is nothing I could even try to do. Most of my skills go against the hypocritical oath. What is your prognosis of the situation there?"

"If we don't make a big break through soon, these people will need a miracle."

"Damn, worse than I thought. I'm going to have to make another call then." he said rubbing his face.

"Doctor Lam, you're needed immediately." a voice said over the doctor's com.

"I'll report anything new when it develops."

He nodded as she nodded as well and walked away.

"This isn't getting any better Walter."

"No it isn't General."

"I've got to…" he said getting up.

"Understood General. I'll let you know if we get anything."

"Damn thing got the Colonel. So much for his wish to join us…"

"He could still recover General."

"I'm hoping. Seriously hoping."

Lam came from the gate finding Vala looking at a laptop readout of the patient she was standing near.

"This is bad right?" Vala asked really worried.

"The virus is shutting down his internal organs." she said taking the laptop from her and standing near the end of the bed. "He can't process toxins within his own system. He's essentially being poisoned to death."

"Can't you give him more medicine?" Vala asked as the doctor went to the other end of the bed to another laptop.

"As it is, this may be the virus bouncing back against treatment. I hate having to say this, but there is nothing I can do."

Daniel, Vala and Teal'c could only look more worried as they looked at the unconscious Colonel. They went outside to see about something someone came and told them. After a quick check, she grabbed the laptop chart and announced it.

"Death, 14 hours and eighteen minutes after preliminary symptoms were first noted." she said making a notation with a electronic pen. "Remove the body and prep for autopsy."

A few of the red suited workers got ready to follow her orders as Vala came up.

"Can I have a few minutes first?" she asked.

The man nodded and walked away as she knelt down and removed the blanket to see the dead body of Azdak.

"This is the first, not the last." Lam said to Daniel who was several feet away watching. He could see Vala was upset and looking ready to cry. "I've got to get back to Colonel Mitchell."

She was trying to keep from crying and Daniel knelt down near her.

"You did everything you could." he said sincerely.

She nodded, rather hard and fast but didn't look at him.

"He has returned!" someone yelled from the doorway into the room where they were. Several people looked up, but no one could actually move to get up. "The Prior of the Ori has returned!"

He then ran off.

"You go ahead Daniel." she replied in a checked but choked up voice.

"Please, you must save us. Forgive those blinded by ignorance." said the man that she had first healed.

He was following the Prior, who was the same guy that showed up before. They were currently out in the makeshift village where there was barely anyone left that wasn't sick.

"People are dying. Our children our dying. They do believe. They will believe." the man said begging.

"Still, not all of you." he said looking past the man.

He looked back seeing Daniel and Teal'c walk up.

"They are not of us." the man stated quickly. "They do not speak for us."

"Why are you doing this?" Daniel asked.

"From the smallest seed of doubt springs forth the mighty poisonous tree of evil."

"Yeah, all right. Cut the crap." Daniel said, now getting really upset as he took a few steps forward. "This is my fault, all right? I'm the one who told these people that if they didn't bow down to you, bow down to the Ori, you might just give up and go away. Well I was wrong. I understand now. You don't have to kill them to prove a point to me."

"Do you truly understand?" the Prior asked.

"I understand this isn't about you and me." Daniel said pointedly.

"This is about all the children of the Ori."

"Enough." a voice said. They turned to see Val walk up, very pissed off from the looks of things and holding a PC-90. "Heal these people now."

"Vala…"

"No Daniel. I've had it with the Ori. I think it's time we sent them a message. Or will you heal them?"

"Only their faith can heal them now." the Prior said smiling.

"Then you are useless to us." she said pointing the weapon and shooting. Everyone but the Prior got down or turned away as she spent most of the clip. The bullets stopped just short of his chest and all dropped to the ground. Daniel and Teal'c turned to see the bullets fall. Teal'c pointed his PC-90 and got ready to fire.

"Stop at once!" the man yelled walking between the SG team and the Prior. "Please, do not let their evil deeds doom us." he begged. "We all bow to the power of the Ori."

He and everyone else who had no succumbed to the illness got in a large circle around the two groups and bowed before the Ori. The SG team looked around seeing the people on the ground.

"Hallowed are the Ori." the Prior said smiling. The villagers repeated it.

He stuck his staff into the ground and closed his eyes. The crystal inside it glowed brightly and kept glowing to the point that everyone turned their sight from it. It got bright enough to be seen off planet.

Doctor Lam was looking up as she saw the bright light coming through an open section of the ceiling. She was still kneeling next to Mitchell's bed. As the light faded away, Mitchell sat up slightly.

"Colonel?" she asked holding his head as he looked ready to pass out.

"Oh….wow." he said very tired and in pain. "You got a couple of aspirin?"

"Doctor Lam!" a man said excitedly as he rushed in. She held up a hand.

"How you feeling?"

"Tingly." Mitchell stated as she continued to hold his head. "How about we pretend I didn't say that."

"You hang on, and I'll be right back." she said putting his head back down and walking away with the other assistant.

"Hey, what did I miss?" he asked trying to sit up.

Lam and the assistant ran out to see everyone starting to get up like nothing had ever effected them.

"Oh, my god." she exclaimed.

"That's not all." the man said pointing. "Look."

The man that had died, Azdak, was alive again. People gathered around him asking questions as other's got up and also noticed. Lam and the other workers could only look on in awe. Outside, the people got off the ground feeling better as the Prior walked up to Daniel and the other two. Vala and Teal'c both raised their PC-90's, but he walked up anyway.

"Tell other's what you have seen today." he said smiling. Then he turned and walked away as people bowed to him.

"Is it Daniel and them Walter?" he asked walking up to the Gate controls as the Iris closed.

"Receiving I.D.C, now. It's Doctor Jackson's."

"I hope this is good news. Open it up Walter."

Seconds later Doctor Lam and her people walked through with the Colonel on a stretcher. They also were carrying the supplies and such with them. Vala, Daniel and Teal'c walked through moments later as Ford rushed in.

"He's fine General. I want him in the infirmary for at least an hour for test."

"Tell her I'm fine General." Mitchell said sitting up some.

"Glad to see your still with us Colonel. Had me worried for awhile." he said patting his shoulder. "As for your request, sorry. I don't have that much influence. Besides you know protocol."

"Had to try." he muttered weakly as he sat back.

"Briefing after he's let go." he said waving a hand for them to move along.

"Before I go, I regret to inform you I had nothing to do with his recovery." she said.

"I'll hear the whole story afterward, but from what I saw, if you weren't there. He'd already be dead."

"Somehow General, I doubt that." she said leaving him confused.

"This is going to be a strange meeting then." he muttered.

"Hey Ford, I need to tell you something before…"

"Sure Daniel."

He muttered a few things into Ford's ear.

"Really." he said standing back. "Well, in that case, I better get going. You can all….go do that first then come to the briefing room."

After the wonderfully well cooked meal that Ford made them, seeing as Doctor Lam performed test on everyone that had been on that planet, including herself, which took almost three hours, he had had plenty of time to make it. With everything that Vala had put them through, she was given basic foods to eat, nothing fancy, no sweets and no Jello, which was practically a daily requirement. Ford had noticed early on that he was one of the few people who didn't eat it. This time around, with what Daniel had said, she had shown she was not the bad girl she really showed to be. With that, she was now allowed to eat like everyone else, and ate more than everyone else. During the meeting, she passed out asleep in the chair.

"Damn, these Prior's and Ori….they are really beginning to piss me off. Have a Stargate address at all Daniel?"

"No." he said. "Not that we could do much…."

"You guys can't do anything, but I can. I know for a fact that they cannot touch me. It would be just the same as if the Ori came to this galaxy and tried to fight the Ascended Ancients, like Oma and them."

"I don't understand." Mitchell said.

"From the way I was told, by my…mother. Though it was brief and cryptic. You all have freewill so they can't interfere. I'm not included in that rule, unless I decided to be stupid and bow before the Ori. Then I basically loose my protection. Remember, I was able to push that Ori around up here before he burst into flames."

"I think Sam would shoot you first, or take your head." Daniel said. "If you converted."

"Very likely. Well, we'll have to come up with something else since bullets can't fight this enemy. I'm willing to bet that that staff they carry is what gives them power. Without it, they are just as mortal as anyone else."

"I'd have to agree General." Mitchell.

"Indeed."

"I can't think of anything else we need to discuss so, meeting's over. Ah, Daniel, are you going to carry her or…."

"I'd rather you do it. Just in case."

"Not a problem. See you all tomorrow."

Once at home, finally.

"Hey Sam, where's the princess?" he asked hugging her after putting his coat and stuff away quietly.

"Sleeping. It is rather late." she said holding him then sniffing. "Ford?"

"What?" he asked as she stepped back.

"There's perfume on you, and it's not mine."

"What? Oh, that must have been Vala's." he said shrugging as they walked into the living room.

"Excuse me?"

"She passed out at the briefing table. I carried her to her room, and Daniel was with me. He didn't want to hurt his back."

"Uh huh." she said crossing her arms and giving him a hard look.

"She spent most of the day on that planet trying to save those people. Using that healing device, which I have right here." he said removing it from his pocket.

"So, you're telling me, you were with her and you stole that?" she said with a crossed tone.

"I was not with her. And I didn't steal this. I borrowed it for you. I do know how to use it, just has a really wearing out side effect. Though what I will do for you is small so I should be just fine."

"Okay, that I can accept, but Vala."

"Sam, I have not and will not ever cheat…." he started explaining, seeing the angry and crossed look. Then she started smiling. "Oh, your playing me."

"Well," she said moving into his embrace. "It's not often that you have that look."

"I thought you were about to take my head off." he muttered.

"No. I can't even imagine wanting to do that. I can think of other ways to get revenge, if I had to. Which I hope to never do, much less think I ever would. Now let's talk about this, and what we can do after…" she said holding the healing device. "If you haven't passed out on me first."

"It's only been a couple of months though. Okay, more than that since…"

"It has been sometime, but worth the wait." she said seductively. "As much as a few hours would be nice, someone has to stay awake to watch Sally tomorrow. And since you're going to be at work…"

"What are you saying?" he asked skeptically.

"You won't last an hour." she said tapping his chest.

"Is that a bet?" he said smiling seductively like her.

"Yeah. I'd say it is." she said proudly.

"You better start running then." he said starting to unbutton her shirt.

"Ah, this first before fun." she said shaking the device. "Let's not tell Janet though."

"Ah, so she doesn't know everything then." he said slipping the device on.

"She may figure it out later, but I'd rather her think that you brought it home and used it, not only for helping me get better, but for…"

"Wait a minute. I don't want her to yell at me thinking that…."

"I was kidding. She already knows what I want to do. Now hurry up before Sally decides to wake up." she said laying on the couch.

"You got it bad." he said shaking his head.

"Well, when you find someone who has all the right moves….."