Chapter 54

For Cameron Mitchell the last few hours seemed like nothing more than a blur. Having been zapped back onto the Odyssey by Shifu his focus had been to get Daniel the medical attention he needed. Although his heart did stop almost immediately after coming aboard, Lam had gotten it beating again.

But things weren't looking too good. There had been extensive damage to the muscle of his heart. They wouldn't know his exact prognosis until they reached Atlantis which should be within the next thirty minutes or so. Despite his reservations about leaving the planet behind (he had this nagging feeling it was important somehow) the life of his friends and of his own planet stood were in grave jeopardy.

While he had taken up vigil at Daniel's side, Mitchell also took comfort, however, in knowing that at least Sam and Rodney were working on saving Earth. Ever since learning of Daniel's condition, Sam had been reluctant to be anywhere else. Her focus was on her friend. When it became apparent that nothing more could be done for Daniel until they arrived at Atlantis, he recalled the team up from the planet and set course. Despite Sam's immediate and vocal protests, he knew that stopping an Ori invasion was one of the reasons they had come out so far. One of the things Daniel had been determined to accomplish. After much encouragement, Sam decided to see her friends wish thru.

Which only left rescuing Vala. He knew in the condition that he was currently in, their original plan was out the window. However, he couldn't bring himself to scrap it all together. Daniel had worked so hard, was so determined to save her, he had no choice but to find another way. Although the archaeologist had yet to regain consciousness, he knew his reasons for being on that planet had everything to do with Vala. If only he knew exactly what that was.

Shifu had vanished upon returning them to the Odyssey and with Daniel out of comission that only left Kebechet. Although his inital beliefs were that he had merely grazed her, the internal damage caused by the bullet was extremely severe. It was highly doubtful she would be alive for much longer. He could've cared less. He had questions that needed to be answered and he was tired of getting the run around. He was going to get the truth from her, and he didn't care how he did it.

oooo

It had taken the better part of an hour for the guards to make it back to Vala's room. The sight of the recently deceased Ms. Mal Doran and the abscence of the Orici left them in a frenzy. After searching for almost another hour they alerted The Doci, who barrelled down to her chambers, Healer in tow. It took only a few seconds after their arrival for the Healer to confirm that she had given birth and passed not too long after.

"What shall we do now?" the Healer asked with muffled concern.

"What I never wanted to do in the first place," The Doci replied irritated as he took a seat by Vala's side, placing a hand on her chest.

Within seconds a soft yellow glow flowed from his hand encapsulating the whole of Vala's fallen form. The sound of a faint heartbeat was heard for a few seconds and then disappeared. It happened several times, each time the sound lasting just a bit longer than the last. The Doci pulled all of his strength, his will and the power bestowed on him by The Ori and concentrated on restarting Vala's heart. Finally after several hours, The Doci ceased, looking at the Healer weakened and defeated.

"It is of no use. Her heart has been still for too long. I cannot restore it to life."

"You are greatly weakened, Doci," the Healer said as he helped the wobbly Doci to his feet. "You must rest."

"Yes, I must."

The Healer stole a look back to Vala, "What do we do about her? She was the only one who knew what happened to the Orici."

The Doci shook his head, "She was not alone. I left her with Tomin. He seemed too concerned for her well being. It is possible she convinced him to take the baby away. Find him. We will find the Orici."

"And Vala?"

"We will turn her into a martyr. Her death to bring the Orici into the world has made her a saint for our cause. She will be loved. Worshiped. Adored by all our people. She will be the single force to unite them all under our banner."

"And what of her body?"

"The invasion of the Ancients universe must proceed. We do not have time for burial services. However, I do not want to take the chance that the Ancients may ascend her upon our arrival."

"What do you want me to do?"

"I want you to cut out her heart and bring it to me. As long as I possess it, she cannot ascend. Then dispose of the corpse."

"As you wish Doci," the Healer complied as he helped the Doci out the door and down the hallway.

The Healer returned not too long after. Having settled the Doci in for a restful and rejuvinated sleep. He look to Vala, who seemed ever more beautiful than the last time he saw her. It was a shame that it had all ended this way. But it was the will of The Ori. She had completed her destiny and brought the Orici into the world. He bent down beside her. Determined to give her funeral rites despite The Doci's refusual to do so in a proper fashion.

He grabbed her by the hand, and was struck that after being dead for several hours, she was still warm to the touch. He caressed her face and was suprised at the color in her cheeks and the heat that penetrated from her forhead. His mind began to race. Carefully he knealt down beside Vala and place his ear against her chest. Closing his eyes tightly, he held his breath and listened.

It took only a few seconds before he heard it: a thump. And then another. And another.

They were faint and her heart was definately struggling, but it was definately beating. Reaching into his bag he pulled out a vial of putrid green liquid. It was a substance of his own making. One that he had stumbled upon while mixing herbs to heal fevers. He hadn't tested it on anyone but himself, but if it had the same effect on him, then it should on Vala. He lifted her head and gently poured the liquid into her mouth. The Healer laid her head softly back on the pillow before he placed as listening ear to her chest.

The reaction was nearly instantaneous. Vala's heart had jumped from a faint thump to a roaring gallop. He sat back and watched in ernest as her eyes flew open and she gasped for breath and thrashing about the bed in confusion.

"Calm down, Vala. Lest you alert the guards."

After several seconds Vala seemed to get her bearings back. Her breathing steadied but her heart still raced in her chest.

"My chest hurts."

"That's to be expected."

"My heart feels like its trying to escape my chest."

"Also to be expected. Worry not. Your heart will also calm down tremendously with time."

"What happened?" Vala asked as she rubbed her hand across her horribly aching chest.

"You died."