Chapter 3

Daniel's POV

It's been three days and I still haven't seen Vala. Where the hell could she be? I know she hasn't left the planet. The Sodan cloaking device is still where it's supposed to be, I checked, and I would have heard if she'd left any other way. No one I've asked seems to know her whereabouts and I've talked to practically every person on this base. Even Walter, Bill and Siler, who seemed upset that she'd missed their weekly poker game two nights ago. I didn't even know she had a weekly poker game with these guys. What else have I missed in my selfish need to avoid feelings? Too much, apparently, but that is going to change. I just have to find her, damn it! When I questioned General Landry, he'd avoided answering me directly. Something is going on.

Now, on top of everything else, Landry has called SG-1 to our pre-mission briefing early to discuss something "important". The only reason I'm going without a fight is because, as a member of the team, Vala has to show up. Maybe I can corner her afterwards and finally get this all cleared up. As I walk into the briefing room, though, Vala is no where in sight. I'm hoping she's late, as is her custom, but I can't quell the feeling of dismay as I walk over to Sam. She's talking to Mitchell and doesn't seem to notice my arrival until I place a hand on her shoulder. She jumps and turns to face me, her eyes darting around nervously. Mitchell and I give each other surprised looks then I stare at Sam suspiciously.

"Sorry, Sam." I say apologetically. "I didn't mean to startle you."

"That's all right. We were just discussing out next mission to P38-2X5. I hear they have a food replicating technology that we've never seen before and I can't wait to get there and talk to their scientists."

I look at Mitchell again but he only shakes his head and shrugs. "Have either of you seen Vala lately? I haven't seen her in days and no one seems to know where she is."

"Sorry, man." Cam says. "I haven't seen her,"

"I too have not been able to locate Vala Mal Doran in some time." Teal'c says as he walks into the briefing room. "She failed to meet me for a scheduled sparring session yesterday."

"I'm sure she'll turn up." Sam put in nervously. "Oh, look, there's the general."

I share another glance with Mitchell and Teal'c as we move to the table and take our seats.

"All right." Landry says without preamble. "Let's get started."

"Sorry to interrupt, sir." I say before he can say anything else. "But shouldn't we wait for Vala?"

"Actually, that's why I called you all here early. Miss Mal Doran has requested leave. She will not be here for the mission tomorrow."

"Leave?" I ask, shocked. "You mean she's not on base?"

"That's correct. Now, let's get down to business."

"Wait." I interrupt again. "Why did she request time off? And where did she go?" I know I'm getting very close to crossing a line here but I don't care. I need to know where Vala is.

"I don't know the circumstances that led Miss Mal Doran to request leave and I didn't ask. As for where she is, all I can tell you is that she is on Earth but has asked that I not reveal her location."

"Wh-When did she leave?" I ask, even though I'm fairly sure I know the answer.

"Four days ago."

I remain silent as I allow this information to sink in. Four days ago, the day we had our fight. She left because of me, because I drove her away, and there's no way I can talk to her. Damn, this is worse than I'd thought. Looking at the faces of my team mates, I can see that Mitchell and Teal'c are just as surprised by the news as I am but Sam is trying her best to avoid eye contact. She'd known! How could she keep that from me? She's one of my best friends, the sister I never had. I feel betrayal bubbling to the surface and I can't concentrate as Landry starts talking about the planet we are to visit tomorrow.

An hour later, the meeting is over and I see Sam start to make a hasty retreat. I get up quickly to corner her. "You knew!" I shout and, out of the corner of my eye, I see Mitchell and Teal'c leave. "You knew and you kept it from me, even after I told you how important it was that I find her. How could you?" I see her flinch at the betrayal I hear in my own voice but I don't care.

"Daniel, she asked me not to tell you and I agreed. I promised. She's my friend."

"I thought I was your friend, too." I realise it sounds childish but this is too much. "I assume she told you about our fight."

"Yes, she told me everything."

"E-Everything?" Now it's my turn to fidget nervously.

"Yes, everything. How could you think this child is anyone's but yours?" she asks angrily. "Are you that stupid?"

I was going to argue but, thinking about the hell I've gone through the last few days, I think better of it. Instead I answer with a simple, "Yes."

"Well, at least you know it."

"I do know it. It took me a while but I've finally figured it out. I have to see Vala, to talk to her. Please, Sam, tell me where she is."

"I can't do that, Daniel. I made a promise and I fully intend to keep it, but I'll talk to her and try to convince her to talk to you before we leave tomorrow. I'm not promising anything, though."

"Thank you, Sam." I say and kiss her on the cheek. I just hope she says yes.

()()()()

Sam's POV

"No."

"You're not even going to consider it?" I ask. I know Vala can be stubborn but this is ridiculous. How does she expect to work anything out if she won't even see Daniel?

"I'm not ready to see him yet, Samantha. I thought you understood that."

"I do." I say with a sigh. And I do, unfortunately. "But we're going to be off world for almost a week. Don't you at least want to say good -bye to the rest of the team?"

"I'll let you do that for me. I just can't go back yet."

"Okay, fine. Is there anything special you want me to tell them?"

"Let Cameron know that I am not leaving the band permanently." she says and it makes me laugh.

"He'll be happy to hear that. What about Teal'c and Daniel?"

"Tell Teal'c I'll see him when you guys get back and we'll have out sparring match. As for Daniel...tell him to be safe."

"I will." I say with a sad smile. She smiles back and I watch as a single tear runs down her face. Pulling her into a hug, I try to sound confident as I whisper, "Everything will be okay. Just have faith."

She nods into my shoulder but I'm not sure she believes me. Hell, I'm not sure I believe me.

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