Spoiler Warnings: #1 could be read as a missing scene from S 10 Ep 19 Dominion and #4 is a bit of an AU occurrence for S10 Ep 4 Insiders.

Five Ways Vala Left the SGC

Running Away

No one on Earth trusted her. She knew it, they knew it. Oh, they told her she was an asset, that she was one of them, but they didn't truly trust her not to turn on them. After all she'd done for them, they still questioned her loyalties. They kept her locked up inside their mountain as though she were a prisoner. She'd been there, done there. Well, no more. So, she'd sneaked through the Chappa'ai without anyone noticing and now she was free to live her life on her own terms again. Just the way she preferred it.

New Job

When Samantha asked her to become a permanent member of her crew aboard the Geroge Hammond, Vala had been shocked. She'd built a life on Earth and hadn't even thought about leaving. But as she considered the offer, the urge to be on the move again, travelling from place to place, had overwhelmed her. She was nomadic by nature, loved waking up to different sights and sounds every day. She hadn't realised she was restless until she was given the opportunity to pursue something else. And she could always travel back to Earth if she needed a rest. It was nice to have someplace to call home, but it was space that drew her, called to her. It was in space where she felt most comfortable.

Becoming a Mother

It had been a difficult decision, leaving. She hadn't wanted to give up travelling through the 'gate with her team, but the moment she found out her pregnancy was high-risk, the choice had been made for her. Sh'de kept telling herself she'd go back one day, that there was no way she could give it up forever. Then she looked into the eyes of her little boy and couldn't regret the decision. This was her new path, her future.

Betrayal

It wasn't really betrayal. After all, these weren't even her people and friends came and went. Isn't that what she told Ba'al earlier? So, when she stepped past SG-1 to join the group of clones, she didn't allow herself any second thoughts. And when she saw the looks of shock and, yes, betrayal on their faces, she quickly squelched the guilt that surged up. In this galaxy, one had to look out for oneself. She saw an opportunity and was taking it. She forced herself to smile up at Ba'al when he placed a possessive hand on her and grinned in triumph. No, she wouldn't regret it, she thought as the beam engulfed her and she was taken away from Earth.

Death

This wasn't how she'd planned on spending the day after a hard mission. Lying in bed, trying not to think about what was happening. It had been a simple shot to the stomach, something that should have been easily repaired. But the weapon had just clipped one of her vital organs, causing irreparable damage and there was nothing Carolyn or anyone on her team could do. She was dying, and dying soon. She knew it, as did everyone else in the room. Samantha was crying and clutching Jack in a death grip. Cameron's face held a gentle, sad smile. Teal'c, the ever-stoic Jaffa, had a slight brightness in his eyes that no one mentioned. And Daniel sat on the edge of her bed, holding her hand like a lifeline. She knew her death would affect them all in different way but she was most afraid for her Daniel. He'd just started living again, letting go of his grief. Her death was going to undo all of his hard work. She could already see it happening. She wanted to tell him he'd be fine, that he couldn't allow this to destroy all of his progress, but she simply didn't have the energy to speak. Instead, she looked him right in the eye, smiled, and squeezed his hand. He returned the gesture in understanding but she saw the defeat in his eyes. She held on for another moment before even that was too taxing. Taking one last breath, her hand slipped from his grip as darkness descended. Vala never saw the single tear leave Teal'c's eye.

The End