If All Else Fails - Chapter 4
Chapter 4: Breaking Up the Band
“We were on my safe world for a week. Daniel wasn’t up to traveling, and no one was anxious to split up. When we left, Teal’c would go his own way, and we’d go ours. Plus, whatever news we got from Earth-assuming we heard anything at all-was probably going to be bad, and there was a good chance we’d be on the run for weeks. So, no one was anxious to set out.”
~Interview with Vala Mal Doran
Cam put his hands behind his head, staring up at the puffy clouds. They’d stayed here for longer than they’d intended. Jackson had needed more than just a couple of days to recover. He’d gotten a nasty cold on top of everything else, and no one had wanted to risk the strain of planet-hopping.
But Jackson was feeling better, and they all knew their time here was drawing to a close.
“Edora,” Sam said suddenly from where she was sunning herself. “We should go to Edora.”
Jackson grunted. “You think Jack would send word?”
“I think it might be one of the worlds that the rest of the gate teams would try,” Sam replied. “No Goa’uld presence, and the folks there are personal friends of Jack. That has to mean something.”
“I believe it means much,” Teal’c said. He looked a little more alert than the rest of them, but even Teal’c had let down his guard in the week they’d been here. “The people of Edora are friends of General O’Neill, and they would welcome us.”
Cam sat up slowly. “Which world was this again?”
“P5C-768,” Sam said.
“Was that the world where General O’Neill got stranded for a few months?” Cam asked.
“That would be the one,” Jackson replied. He was still stretched out, Vala lying close by. She’d stuck by Jackson’s side for the most part, taking care of him with the few supplies they had. Cam didn’t profess to understand what was going on between them, but Jackson had needed someone to look after him this last week.
Teal’c raised an eyebrow. “I believe that Edora would be a good place to begin our search for information.”
“Edora it is, then,” Cam said. “Unless someone wants to raise an objection.” Silence followed, and he shrugged. “Okay, then. We leave tomorrow, I guess. I’m going to get cleaned up.”
The pond wasn’t a bad option for washing off the worst of the grime, but it was no hot shower. Cam unlaced his boots and stripped out of his pants, and then waded into the pond wearing nothing but his skin. He wasn’t too surprised when Jackson followed him a few minutes later.
“Sam and Vala said we shouldn’t be too long,” he said. “They want their turn, too.”
Cam shrugged. “You okay with this idea?”
Jackson began removing his clothes clumsily, still hampered by his injured left arm. “I think Sam is right. Edora is as good a place as any to start.”
“You think it’s safe?”
“Edora really isn’t on the radar,” Jackson replied, wading into the water. “There’s naquadah in the soil, but there are other planets where it’s easier to mine. Earth still sends medical supplies there, but it’s considered humanitarian aid, not trade.”
Cam ducked down under the surface and then wiped water out of his eyes. “In other words, the Trust probably thinks it’s a worthless planet.”
“Probably.” Jackson followed Cam’s example, ducking down under the water. “It’s worth a shot, and I don’t think it’s going to put us at more risk than we already are.”
“Fair enough,” Cam replied. He finished rinsing off and got out of the water. He probably should have brought a shirt to dry off with, but they’d all taken to wearing as little as possible with the hot weather and lack of clean clothes. Cam swiped as much water off as he could, then pulled his BDUs back on over still-damp skin.
Cam sprawled in the grass a few feet away, waiting for Jackson to finish up. “Have Sam and Vala talked about what happened?” Cam asked, trying for a casual tone.
Jackson shot him a look. “I’m not going to betray any confidences, Cam.”
“I’m not asking you to,” Cam replied. “I’m asking if they’re okay.”
Jackson shrugged. He got out and dried off with his shirt. “Short term? They’re both tough, and they know how to put things aside to focus on the mission. Long term? I don’t know. It’s hard to say with Vala; she’s probably weathered worse. But for Sam, it might depend on what we find out about Jack.”
“Yeah, that’s what I thought,” Cam replied.
Jackson lowered himself to the ground next to Cam carefully. “Sam and Jack-they waited a long time. They’re close.”
“I got that,” Cam replied. “I’ve known Sam since the Academy, you know?”
“So I’ve heard.” After a week, the swelling in Jackson’s face had finally gone down, and Cam could see the mottled bruising on his left side where the Jaffa had broken ribs. “For whatever it’s worth, I believe this is the right call, Colonel.”
“Oh, I think we can drop rank,” Cam said. “We’re refugees. Rank doesn’t matter a whole hell of a lot now.”
Jackson glanced over. “Are you okay?”
“Not really,” Cam said honestly. “I miss my folks.”
“I’m sorry,” Jackson said, his voice sincere. “I hadn’t really thought how hard this would be for you.”
“It’s hard for all of us,” Cam replied.
“You have family on Earth.”
“So do you,” Cam quickly said. “I know what team means, Jackson.”
Jackson gave him a serious look. “I know you do.”
Cam rubbed his eyes. “Come on. Let’s let the women have their turn.”
Even though they’d made a decision, no one seemed happy with it. To Cam, going to Edora seemed like just another way to postpone breaking up the band. Eventually, they would have to split up, and while he didn’t want to hasten that day, he also wanted to get it over with.
Cam didn’t sleep well that night, and he was awake long before anyone else. He rose and dressed in the clothing they’d traded for in the village. He doubted they’d be wearing their uniforms until they made it to Atlantis.
Assuming they made it to Atlantis, of course.
The others moved slowly, engaging in stilted, desultory conversation as they packed up, but they walked in silence. Cam led the way, glad for the quiet. For the last week, they’d all been able to put off thinking about what happened next-and now the moment was here, and they’d have to face whatever information they discovered on Edora.
When they arrived at the gate, Sam dialed the address without being told. The gate whooshed into life, and Cam glanced at Sam. “You want to lead the way, or should I?”
“I’ll go. Some of them know me. If they’re guarding the gate, that might help.” Sam walked through without saying anything more.
“I guess I’ll bring up the rear,” Cam muttered. “Go on.”
Vala and Jackson walked through side-by-side, with Teal’c close behind. Cam followed, and felt the gate close behind him.
“This way,” Sam called.
Cam stuck to his position at the rear of the group, keeping a hand on his P-90, alert for any sign of danger. They hadn’t been walking long when they approached a small collection of thatched houses, their exteriors neatly plastered. Cam could see signs of an Earth presence here and there in newer equipment and nylon ropes. Nothing too obvious, but Cam knew what to look for.
Someone sent up a shout as they approached, and women and children began to emerge from inside the houses. Most of the faces were curious, with no hint of apprehension, and Cam relaxed slightly.
If the Edorans weren’t frightened of strangers, chances were good that Cam’s team didn’t have anything to worry about.
Cam knew that General O’Neill had gotten close to one woman in particular while he’d been stranded on the planet, and he spotted her immediately by the flash of recognition that crossed her face when she saw Sam. She was in her late-forties, early-fifties, and she took two quick steps forward, faltering as she searched each of their faces. Cam could see the desperate hope in her eyes, quickly replaced by disappointment.
“Major Carter,” the woman said, stepping forward with an outstretched hand.
“Just Sam, please.” Sam didn’t bother correcting the woman about her rank. “It’s good to see you again, Laira.”
Laira nodded, her lips tightly compressed. “And Dr. Jackson and Teal’c.”
“This is Cam and Vala,” Sam said, indicating each of them in turn.
Laira smiled shakily. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Why don’t you come and have a drink and a bite to eat?”
Sam sat at the table with Laira, and Cam motioned for Jackson to take the other available chair. The rest of them stood around the room, accepting the cool, clear well water Laira offered. Laira sliced up bread and spread it with butter. Cam wasn’t hungry, but he took a slice to avoid insulting her.
“I’m sorry,” Laira said quietly. “When I saw you, I thought-I hoped.”
Sam reached out and clasped her hand. “I know. I’d hoped, too. I thought if Jack got free, he might come here.”
Laira nodded. “Fourteen days ago, seven people came through the stone ring-one woman and six men. The men didn’t give their names, but she said her name was Carrie.”
Cam straightened, catching the quick look Jackson threw his way. O’Neill had apparently sent Carolyn Lam through the gate, which seemed to indicate that not all was well with General Landry.
Sam nodded. “Did they say anything?”
“Carrie said that Jack had stayed behind to close the stone ring.” Laira stared down at her hands. “When I saw you, I thought maybe-”
“We weren’t on Earth,” Sam said softly. “We didn’t know what had happened until we tried to dial home.”
Laira looked up to meet Sam’s eyes. “I’m sorry. I know how close you were.”
“How long did Carrie and the others stay?” Jackson asked gently.
“Not long. They said that if anyone asked about them, we were to tell the truth-that they had only passed through, and we didn’t know where they were going. I made sure that no one watched them go through the ring.” Laira looked at each of them in turn. “They said they couldn’t risk being followed.”
“We can’t either,” Cam said quietly. “Laira, do you mind if we take a moment to talk?”
Laira managed a smile. “Take all the time you need. I should tell Garan you’re here. He’d be sorry not to say hello.”
Once the door had closed behind Laira, Sam put her head in her hands. “He’s leading them away,” she said. “Jack’s making sure no one follows us-any of us.”
“We can’t stay here,” Cam said. “We can’t risk it. We can’t risk these people.”
“No, we can’t,” Jackson said slowly, his words measured. He rubbed his eyes. “Teal’c? What do you think?”
“I must go to Dakara,” Teal’c replied. “I have only a few days’ supply of tretonin left, and my place is with my people.” He squatted down next to Sam’s chair. “Colonel Carter, I will speak with Master Bra’tac. If we can find General O’Neill, we will do so. We will send him to you if we can.”
“I know you will, Teal’c,” Sam managed. “Maybe we should-”
Jackson reached out for Sam’s hand. “Sam.”
“I know,” Sam repeated, taking a deep breath. “Vala, what do you think?”
Vala walked over to the single, small window. “There’s a world that serves as a trading hub for the more unsavory sorts. I would recommend going there and stealing a ship.”
“Unsavory sorts?” Cam asked wryly. “Doesn’t that include you?”
Vala gave him a cool look, one eyebrow raised. “I might have been a thief, Cameron, but I didn’t make a habit of trading on human misery.”
“Mitchell,” Jackson growled a warning. He had been protective of Vala over the last week, making Cam think he knew something about what had gone on in that Goa’uld prison.
Cam held up his hands in surrender. “Sorry.”
“These people are murderers who kill others for fun and profit, and slavers,” Vala said. “They really are very bad people.”
“I’m sorry, Vala,” Cam said sincerely. “I get that they’re a different kind of people. So, what’s the plan?”
“We find one of those very bad people, we kill them, and we take their ship,” Vala said bluntly.
“Kill them?” Jackson asked, sounding just as alarmed as Cam felt. That same alarm was reflected on Sam’s face, too.
“How else are we going to make sure they don’t chase us down?” Vala asked pragmatically. “We don’t have Marines at our disposal anymore, Daniel. We aren’t even going to have Muscles around. I promise, we will find people the universe won’t miss.”
Cam blew out a breath. “Slavers, you said?”
Vala nodded. “Or weapons dealers. We’ll find some just for you, Colonel.”
“Sam?” Cam inquired.
“We have to get to Atlantis,” Sam said. “Sometimes you have a break a few eggs.”
“That sounds like something Jack would say,” Jackson murmured.
Sam shrugged. “We’ve spent enough time together.”
“Okay, one thing at a time,” Cam said. “We can’t stay here. There’s too much risk.”
“We leave now,” Sam said. “Teal’c dials Dakara, or wherever, and we dial the place Vala knows.”
“I believe it’s for the best, Colonel Carter,” Teal’c murmured.
Sam nodded. “Yeah, I know.” She finished the last of her water. “We should say goodbye to Laira and Garan.”
Laira was approaching when they emerged from the house, a young man in tow. He looked to be in his mid-twenties, and he smiled broadly when he saw them. “Sam! Dr. Jackson!”
“Daniel,” Jackson insisted. “You’re looking well, Garan.”
Garan shrugged, although a proud, pleased smile stole across his face. “That’s mostly Naytha’s doing.”
“How is she?” Jackson asked, showing every sign of sincerity. Cam was amazed once again at Jackson’s ability to make connections and remember faces and personal details.
Garan waved, and a young woman about his age walked over, a child on her hip. “Daniel, Sam, Teal’c, you remember Naytha. And this is my son, Jack.”
A real smile broke over Sam’s face. “Really? Jack’s going to go nuts when he hears he has a namesake.”
Garan smiled. “We’re expecting our second child.”
“Congratulations,” Sam said sincerely. “That’s wonderful.”
Laira glanced at them. “You have to leave.”
“We can’t put you at risk, Laira,” Jackson said quietly. “You, or Garan, or anyone else. It’s the same reason that the others left so quickly.”
Laira nodded. “If you can, will you send word?”
“I will send word,” Teal’c promised. “I give you my oath.”
She nodded. “Then we don’t want to know where you’re going.”
“I think that’s for the best,” Sam replied.
Cam watched as Laira hugged Sam, and he wondered how it was they’d come to an understanding, given that they both obviously loved O’Neill.
Or maybe that was why they’d connected. Cam had never professed to understand women.
“Thanks for the hospitality,” Cam said as they took their leave.
“Fair day,” Laira responded.
“Fair day,” Daniel murmured in reply.
~~~~~
Sam thought it might have been harder to see Laira, but she knew that the other woman loved Jack. And really, if anyone could understand the loyalty and love that Jack could engender, Laira could.
Laira had clung to her briefly, whispering for Sam’s ears alone, “I’m so sorry.”
And if anyone understood what it was like to lose Jack to duty, Laira would.
Teal’c stepped up to the DHD and began dialing, his movements quick and graceful. Sam watched him, feeling numb. First Jack, and now Teal’c-only she and Daniel were left of the original team. Even though they’d said goodbye before, there was always the option of meeting up again on Earth. This was different.
This felt permanent.
The wormhole formed, and Teal’c turned to clasp Cam’s arm. “Take care of yourself, big guy,” Cam ordered
Teal’c lowered his head in a gesture of respect and handed Cam his staff weapon. Daniel didn’t wait for Teal’c to approach; he pulled Teal’c into a tight embrace. Teal’c whispered something in Daniel’s ear that Sam couldn’t hear, and Daniel nodded. “Good luck, Teal’c,” Daniel said, his voice hoarse.
Vala hugged Teal’c, which was new. Vala had shied away with contact from anyone other than Sam and Daniel over the last week. “Take care of yourself, Muscles.”
“You do the same, Vala Mal Doran.” Teal’c turned to look at Sam, and she hugged him hard, feeling Teal’c’s warm, strong arms around her. “I will save him if I can, Colonel Samantha Carter.”
“If anyone can, it’s you,” Sam replied. “And Teal’c? If you get a chance to get to Earth, check on Cassie?”
“Of course,” he promised, and then released her, collected his staff weapon from Cam, and walked to the gate. He turned just before he stepped through the event horizon, lifted his hand in a solemn farewell, and then he was gone.
“All right, Vala, where are we going?” Cam asked once the wormhole had blinked out.
They purposely hadn’t made the decision while Teal’c was still around, just in case-and other than knowing Teal’c was going to find Master Bra’tac, they didn’t know where Teal’c was going either.
“There’s a world used as a hub for various black market activities,” Vala replied. “We’re going to need a cover story, though. What are we going to say we’re buying or selling?”
“Goa’uld and Ancient technology,” Daniel said readily. “You and Sam can use Goa’uld devices because you were hosts, and I’m your translator.”
“And me?” Cam asked.
Vala grinned at him. “You can be our muscle.”
Cam rolled his eyes. “Thanks, Vala.”
“Everyone has their own talents,” Vala replied.
Sam snorted. “We’re going to need a pilot, Cam.”
“That’s a little better than being the hired muscle,” Cam replied. “All right, people. Let’s go find ourselves a ship.”
Going through the gate was still an adventure for Sam; she’d never quite gotten over that rush stepping on alien soil for the first time, but it was heavily undercut by weariness now.
All soil was alien when there was no chance of going home.
Vala moved through the crowds in the bazaar with confidence, her shoulders back, tendrils of dark hair blowing around her face. Daniel stayed close to her side, his expression and body language quietly menacing. Sam wondered if Daniel realized how protective he’d become of Vala over the last week or two.
Cam stayed next to Sam, his shoulder just brushing hers. “What do you think it means that General O’Neill sent Carrie off-world?” he asked in a low voice.
Sam winced. “Nothing good. My guess is that Landry was one of those compromised or killed-but probably compromised.”
“Fuck,” Cam said succinctly.
“That’s one way to put it.”
“How are you doing, Sam?”
The quiet question had Sam blinking rapidly, trying to control her emotions. “I’m okay. I’m trying not to think about it, to be honest.”
“Sorry,” Cam said.
She shook her head. “No, it’s okay. Thanks for asking. What about you?”
“I worry about my folks,” he confessed. “I know I don’t get to see them all that often, but now that I know I can’t see them…” He trailed off. “You know.”
“Yeah, I do,” Sam said.
Cam bumped her shoulder companionably. “You notice the thing?” he asked with a deliberate nod towards Daniel and Vala.
Sam nodded. “Yeah.”
“Guess we’ll have to stick together then,” Cam said with a conspiratorial smile.
“Guess we will. Thanks.”
“Any time.”
Vala suddenly called out, “Reese!”
Sam stayed on Vala’s heels as they forced their way through the crowd. Cam put a hand on Sam’s lower back, staying just behind and to the right of her, keeping in close contact. Sam tried not to think about how differently Jack would have handled this situation. He would have insisted on leading the charge, trusting Sam or Teal’c to bring up the rear.
She never wanted to compare Cam’s leadership style with Jack’s, but it seemed inevitable. The brass had put Cam in charge of SG-1, after all-at least nominally. Even if Cam didn’t think of himself that way, it didn’t change the facts.
As they made their way through the crowd to a stall on the edge of the market square, Sam felt Cam drop just slightly behind her, and Sam knew he was watching her back.
Vala was greeting a short, paunchy man whose long, thinning hair was pulled back in a braid. She bussed his cheek and turned to introduce Daniel, and then Sam and Cam.
Reese gave them a narrow-eyed look. “Are you all related?”
“Not quite,” Vala replied. “Can we talk?”
Reese nodded. “Tonight? I’m not ready to close up just yet.”
“We’ll wait for you in the tavern,” Vala promised, “if that’s agreeable.”
Reese shrugged. “See you then.”
Vala led them out of the crowds to a small tavern a little removed from the market square. They had a little more breathing room there, and they stood in a small knot at the entrance to a rather dubious-looking alley.
“We have a few hours before Reese will be ready to talk,” Vala said. “He’ll know when the next few ships are due, and what they’ll likely be carrying.”
“What are you thinking, Vala?” Sam asked.
Vala shrugged. “It depends on how quickly we want to move, and how heavily guarded the ships are.”
“And what they’re carrying?” Cam suggested. “I’d rather stay on the right side of the law as much as we can.”
“There’s no law out here, Cameron,” Vala replied. “This is an area of the galaxy run by the Lucian Alliance, among other minor criminal organizations. If we steal a ship, we’ll need to make sure they aren’t going to follow us.”
“I don’t like the idea of killing people in cold blood,” Daniel said slowly.
Vala raised her eyebrows. “When we take their ship, they’ll shoot at us. Will you have any problem shooting back?”
Daniel glared at her. “No, of course not. It’s just-we’re talking about stealing a ship.”
“It’s really not very hard,” Vala said. “I stole yours, didn’t I?”
Sam swallowed her laughter, and she caught Cam’s smirk out of the corner of her eye. “Okay, I think we can all agree that we’re going to have to steal a ship,” Sam said.
“Not unless we’re going to steal a generator with enough power to dial Pegasus,” Cam said. “A ship is our best bet. You on board with that, Jackson?”
Daniel rubbed his eye-the one that wasn’t still sporting a shiner. “I guess we don’t really have a choice.”
“No, not really,” Cam agreed. “So, what do we do while we’re waiting for your friend, Vala?”
“How well do you play cards?” Vala asked.
Sam and Daniel both shrugged, but Cam grinned. “Are you kidding? We played cards all the time when I was a kid. I learned from the best.”
Vala gave Cam a speculative look. “So, you have hidden depths. Well, then, let’s see if we can find a game. We could stand to make some extra cash.”
Sam and Daniel each bought a pint of homebrew. Sam winced when she tasted it the first time, but she didn’t say anything. They found a corner table well away from the card game going on. Cam and Vala had managed to get in on the game. Vala had flirted, and Cam had played the country bumpkin role to the hilt.
“You think Cam can play cards as well as he said?” Daniel asked.
“Hard to say,” Sam replied. “I wouldn’t be surprised. We’re all going to have to use skills we don’t normally need.”
Daniel sipped his ale. “Are you really okay with this plan, Sam?”
Sam wrapped her hands around the clay mug. “Yeah. I guess.”
“Not exactly a ringing endorsement,” Daniel observed.
“There are a lot of things I’m not exactly happy about,” Sam replied.
Daniel met her eyes, and Sam saw her own sorrow reflected in his face. “Yeah, I know.”
~~~~~
Jack knew he wasn’t going to evade capture much longer. He’d noticed signs of pursuit, and had caught sight of at least one man he knew to be an NID operative, but he’d either given them the slip, or they had postponed taking him into custody.
If Jack had to guess, he thought they might be delaying because they still thought he might lead them to others who had escaped.
He snorted at the thought. Like he was that stupid.
Jack missed his team terribly. He’d left the SGC in Landry’s capable hands because General Hammond had tapped him for the position of Director of Homeworld Security, and Jack hadn’t yet learned to say no to an appeal to his sense of duty.
Plus, Jack had believed he could finally do a few things he’d been putting off, and his knees weren’t going to stand up to too many more pitched battles. Going to D.C. had seemed like the answer.
Jack wasn’t sure why the Trust hadn’t arranged to have a snake put in his head; he knew they could have. He suspected that someone at the top of the food chain had other plans for him.
Out of the corner of his eye, Jack got a glimpse of one of the operatives that had been following him for at least the last block. He had the home court advantage here; Jack had been born in Chicago, and he still knew the city. He’d mostly kept to places he’d known well in the past, but where he no longer had connections. He hadn’t wanted the Trust to get any ideas.
Jack broke into a jog, trying to lose himself in the busy foot traffic along the Navy Pier. He’d lose his tail, and then he’d skip town, maybe head north. The Trust was getting too close, but it was still largely an American organization. If he could get to Canada, he might be able to elude capture for a little longer.
Every resource the Trust had to spend looking for Jack was a resource they couldn’t use to go after his people.
The crowds thinned out a bit, and Jack tried to keep his pace to a quick walk. Running would be a sure way to draw attention. He just needed to-
He caught sight of someone approaching from his right, and Jack turned, all senses on alert. This is why he needed his team with him, to keep an eye on his blind side.
The man had a gun pointed at Jack’s midsection. “You need to come with me, General.”
“I don’t think so,” Jack replied, taking a step back. He had no doubt that the Trust could get away with shooting him in broad daylight, but he didn’t think they wanted to try.
And then Jack felt a sharp pinch at the back of his neck, and the world reeled and went dark.
~~~~~
Vala had always been a solo operator in the past, mostly out of necessity. The sort of people she usually did business with would have stabbed her in the back to get her share. Granted, Vala probably would have stolen from a partner given half a chance, but she’d have been a lot sneakier about it.
She’d never been interested in killing people. Stealing, swindling, cheating, sure-but not killing.
Now, she was part of a team, and she had begun to see that there were definite benefits. While Vala often got kicked out of card games for cheating, this time she and Cam had managed to win far more than they’d lost between the two of them. And, since they had both won hands and lost hands, no one had accused them of cheating.
Vala counted their winnings cheerfully as Cam nursed his tankard of rather poor ale.
“How did you guys make out?” Sam asked in a low voice.
Vala grinned. “Like bandits. We need to rent a room while we wait for an appropriate ship.”
“Are we sure they’ll land, instead of using rings?” Daniel asked.
“Rings aren’t allowed,” Vala replied. “All unloading is done on the ground.”
“Why?” Sam inquired.
Vala shrugged. “It’s a security measure. If someone reneges on a deal, their ship can be held until they pay up.”
“Makes sense,” Cam agreed cautiously.
Having finished with a final count, Vala began to divide up the spoils with a purely internal sigh of regret. “It’s safer if we each carry a portion,” she explained.
“Great,” Daniel said without enthusiasm.
Vala gave him a curious look.
“I don’t like the idea of splitting up,” Daniel said. “I think we should avoid that if at all possible.”
“Works for me,” Cam replied. “When is your friend supposed to get here, Vala?”
Vala glanced up at the door just as Reese walked in. “He’s here now.”
Reese had a word with the man behind the bar and then joined them, settling onto the chair they’d kept open. “First off, Vala, I don’t want to know what you and your friends are planning.”
“We wouldn’t dream of telling you our plans,” Vala replied with an insincere smile.
Reese snorted. “So, what do you want to know?”
“What kinds of shipments are expected in the next few days?”
Accepting the tankard the server delivered, Reese responded. “The usual-weapons, trinkets, perhaps slaves. What are you buying?”
“Goa’uld and Ancient technology,” Vala lied easily. “There’s a booming market.”
Reese shrugged. “Says you. From what I understand, you have to have some special power to work that stuff. It’s like magic.”
“Not magic,” Daniel murmured.
“Looks like magic to most,” Reese replied. “So, you want word when someone brings that kind of tech in?”
Vala nodded. “That would be appreciated. But we’d also like word about the next shipment of weapons or slaves.”
Reese gave her a sharp look. “Looking to expand your business?”
“Always.”
“Then I’ll send word when the first ship meeting your requirements arrives,” Reese said. “I assume you’ll want to put in the first bid on the cargo.”
“Of course,” Vala replied.
Reese shrugged. “Now, about dinner…”
“I’m starving,” Cam said. “What’s good here?”
They had a pleasant enough dinner. Vala kept the conversation light and away from problematic subjects. Reese was thankfully uninterested in their pasts or even what they currently wanted to do. Once Reese had finished eating, Vala slipped him some of their recent winnings as a down payment on the information.
No one asked her any questions until they were in the room they had paid for, when Cam asked, “Can he be trusted?”
Vala shrugged. “No, he can’t, which is why I didn’t tell him what our real plans were.”
“And we’re all staying in this room until we receive word,” Daniel said as he sat down on one of the narrow beds.
Vala shrugged. “We don’t have an unlimited supply of funds, and we’re all friends, Daniel. I don’t think it will kill us to share a room.”
“Do you think there’s a place to get a hot bath?” Sam asked with longing in her voice.
Vala brightened. “Oh, excellent idea. There should be a bathhouse in the back of the tavern. Care to join me?”
“Wait, how come you guys get to go first?” Daniel protested.
“Ladies first, Daniel,” Vala replied smugly.
Sam grinned. “Deal with it.”
In exchange for a few coins, they got the bathhouse to themselves, and she and Sam were soon up their necks in hot water.
“Oh, God,” Sam breathed fervently. “I think I’m in heaven.”
Vala smiled. “I agree.”
A companionable silence fell over the room as they soaked in their respective tubs. Vala felt the tension begin to seep out of her tired muscles. The last week had helped Vala regain some of her equilibrium. She no longer felt as though she might fly apart at any moment at least.
“How are you feeling?” Sam asked just as Vala had begun to think of climbing out.
Vala immersed herself completely, and then came up again, running her fingers through her wet hair. “I’m better,” she finally said.
Sam followed Vala’s example, sliding down under the water and beginning to wash her hair. “It wasn’t your fault, Vala.”
“I know that,” Vala replied, unable to keep the testiness out of her voice. “I’m aware of what the Goa’uld are capable of, Sam.”
“I’m sure you do,” Sam said mildly. “But sometimes you need to hear it.”
Vala unbent slightly at that. “Sometimes,” she admitted. “But I already know that you don’t blame me.”
Sam frowned. “Surely you don’t think that Cam or Daniel would think any less of you,” she protested. “They know better.”
“Cameron does,” Vala replied. “But Daniel… His opinion of me has never been terribly high.”
“Yeah, but he doesn’t think this is your fault. He wouldn’t blame you any more than he’d think getting beaten up was his fault.”
When Vala didn’t reply, Sam asked, “How long have you been in love with him?”
Vala let out a little laugh, although she knew the sound didn’t hold much humor. “Since the beginning, not that Daniel would believe me.”
“Daniel hasn’t had a lot of luck with love,” Sam said gently. “Give him a little time. He’s been pretty protective of you since 680.”
“He pities me,” Vala said bluntly.
“He’s sad for you,” Sam corrected her. “There’s a difference.”
Vala scrubbed her hands over her face. “Perhaps. What about you? I know how much you must miss General O’Neill.”
Sam’s voice sounded choked when she said, “I’m trying not to think about what they’ll do to him when they capture him-or what they might be doing to him already.”
“You know Teal’c will save him if he can.”
“Yeah, if he can,” Sam said, despair coloring her voice. “I just-I wish he’d gone through the gate. If he’d escaped off-world, we could probably find him. We could-I don’t know. I just hate the idea of him being tortured somewhere without even the hope of rescue.”
Vala reached out, crossing the space between the two tubs they occupied, and Sam met her halfway. They clung to each other like a lifeline. Vala was tremendously grateful for the human contact.
With Sam, Vala felt no threat, no fear that there was an ulterior motive to her touch. There was only simple warmth and the knowledge that Sam was there for her.
It was a novel feeling, but it was one Vala could relish.
~~~~~
Daniel winced as he tried to rewrap his wrist. It still hurt, but he could still move his fingers, which was a good sign.
“Here, let me do that,” Vala said softly, taking the bandage from Daniel and beginning to wind it around his hand and wrist with a practiced touch.
“Shouldn’t Mitchell and Sam be back by now?” Daniel asked.
Vala shrugged. “They haven’t been gone very long. How was the bath?”
“Nice. I finally feel clean,” Daniel replied. Mitchell had visited the bathhouse the previous night, but Daniel had been deeply asleep by the time Sam and Vala had returned. Daniel had just taken his turn that morning. “How long do you think we’ll have to wait for a ship?”
“There are ships that come in every week, but we’re going to have to find one that’s in good repair, and that has a functioning hyperdrive.” Vala clipped the bandage in place. “It’s hard to say how long that will take.”
“Days? Weeks?”
“Months.” Vala shook her head. “I don’t know.”
He frowned and grabbed her hand. “Hey, don’t worry about it. You’ve done a lot. If you hadn’t been with us, we really would have been screwed.” He saw her shoulders move, as though she was shrugging off his words. “What’s wrong?”
“There’s nothing wrong,” Vala insisted.
“Okay,” Daniel said slowly. “Okay. Just-if you need to talk, I’m here.”
She gave him a sharp look, and for a moment, he thought she might rebuff him, but whatever she saw in his face must have been satisfactory, because her shoulders relaxed. “Thank you.”
The door swung open to admit Sam and Mitchell. They were carrying bread and some kind of dried fruit. Daniel was surprised to even think it, but he missed the commissary’s food. He missed burgers at the diner that was located near the base, and pizza, and Thai and waffles. He missed his own bed, and his own clothes, and a hundred other things.
Daniel missed Jack, and he suspected that Sam was just as worried about the general as he was.
“There was word in the marketplace that a new ship has landed,” Sam said softly. “No word on what it’s carrying.”
“If it has the right cargo, Reese will let us know,” Vala said with assurance.
Vala’s faith in her associate wasn’t misplaced. They had just finished their breakfast when someone knocked on their door. Sam moved to the side, drawing her weapon and covering the door while Mitchell answered it.
“I have a message for Vala Mal Doran.” The high voice belonged to a child, a girl who looked to be about ten.
“I’m Vala.”
The girl looked at the rest of them quickly, assessing the potential threat, before refocusing on Vala. “Reese said to tell you that the ship has landed, and it has the cargo you seek. It’s just to the north of town.”
“Excellent,” Vala said. She pulled out a small leather pouch and shook out a couple of coins, before handing the coins and the pouch to the girl. “Take that to Reese. The coins are yours.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” the girl replied, executing a rough curtsey before running off.
Mitchell shut the door behind her. “All right. What’s our game plan?”
“Sam and I will check out the vessel, posing as buyers,” Vala replied.
Mitchell shook his head. “No. No way. We all go.”
“They’ll sense a threat and act accordingly,” Vala returned. She looked at Daniel. “Tell me. When you look at Sam and me, do you see a threat?”
Daniel hesitated, suspecting it was a trick question. Either woman could kick his ass, as well as the asses of most of the people he knew-but he knew what Vala meant. “Well, knowing you both as well as I do, that’s a hard question to answer,” he prevaricated.
“Damn it,” Mitchell cursed, and Daniel knew they’d just lost the argument. “Why don’t you take Jackson?” he asked. “He’s injured. They’ll underestimate him, too.”
“Hey!” Daniel protested, feeling vaguely insulted.
“I think it has to be Vala and me,” Sam said apologetically. “We both know more about ship engines and what we need to get to Pegasus, and they won’t think of us as a threat. We can get on board, inspect the merchandise, maybe convince them to give us the grand tour. By the time we’re off the ship, we’ll know what we need.”
Daniel sighed. “I don’t think we have another choice. Sam’s right.”
“I know she is.” Mitchell scowled. “Fine, but we’re sticking close by, so you two can send up a distress signal if you need. If it’s the right one, when are we going to do this?”
Sam and Vala exchanged a look. “Let’s wait and see how they respond to us,” Sam suggested. “If we can get on board the ship and take them by surprise, that might be best.”
“We’ll need more food,” Daniel said. “How long is it going to take to get to Atlantis, Sam?”
“Hard to say,” she replied. “It depends on the speed of the engines, and whether we have to stop for repairs. I’ll know more once we get a look at the ship.”
Mitchell nodded. “Okay, then. You two work your magic, and if the ship will suit our needs, we’ll stock up on food. We may have to make some stops along the way to supplement.”
“A vessel like this will likely already have food storage,” Vala said. “It might not be good food, but it will keep us going.”
Mitchell rubbed his eyes and set his shoulders. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
Daniel trailed the others out of the room. He really didn’t like this plan, but he couldn’t see another option. They had to get to Pegasus, and this was the best way to get there.
But that didn’t mean he had to like the idea of turning brigand.
Chapter 5
“We were on my safe world for a week. Daniel wasn’t up to traveling, and no one was anxious to split up. When we left, Teal’c would go his own way, and we’d go ours. Plus, whatever news we got from Earth-assuming we heard anything at all-was probably going to be bad, and there was a good chance we’d be on the run for weeks. So, no one was anxious to set out.”
~Interview with Vala Mal Doran
Cam put his hands behind his head, staring up at the puffy clouds. They’d stayed here for longer than they’d intended. Jackson had needed more than just a couple of days to recover. He’d gotten a nasty cold on top of everything else, and no one had wanted to risk the strain of planet-hopping.
But Jackson was feeling better, and they all knew their time here was drawing to a close.
“Edora,” Sam said suddenly from where she was sunning herself. “We should go to Edora.”
Jackson grunted. “You think Jack would send word?”
“I think it might be one of the worlds that the rest of the gate teams would try,” Sam replied. “No Goa’uld presence, and the folks there are personal friends of Jack. That has to mean something.”
“I believe it means much,” Teal’c said. He looked a little more alert than the rest of them, but even Teal’c had let down his guard in the week they’d been here. “The people of Edora are friends of General O’Neill, and they would welcome us.”
Cam sat up slowly. “Which world was this again?”
“P5C-768,” Sam said.
“Was that the world where General O’Neill got stranded for a few months?” Cam asked.
“That would be the one,” Jackson replied. He was still stretched out, Vala lying close by. She’d stuck by Jackson’s side for the most part, taking care of him with the few supplies they had. Cam didn’t profess to understand what was going on between them, but Jackson had needed someone to look after him this last week.
Teal’c raised an eyebrow. “I believe that Edora would be a good place to begin our search for information.”
“Edora it is, then,” Cam said. “Unless someone wants to raise an objection.” Silence followed, and he shrugged. “Okay, then. We leave tomorrow, I guess. I’m going to get cleaned up.”
The pond wasn’t a bad option for washing off the worst of the grime, but it was no hot shower. Cam unlaced his boots and stripped out of his pants, and then waded into the pond wearing nothing but his skin. He wasn’t too surprised when Jackson followed him a few minutes later.
“Sam and Vala said we shouldn’t be too long,” he said. “They want their turn, too.”
Cam shrugged. “You okay with this idea?”
Jackson began removing his clothes clumsily, still hampered by his injured left arm. “I think Sam is right. Edora is as good a place as any to start.”
“You think it’s safe?”
“Edora really isn’t on the radar,” Jackson replied, wading into the water. “There’s naquadah in the soil, but there are other planets where it’s easier to mine. Earth still sends medical supplies there, but it’s considered humanitarian aid, not trade.”
Cam ducked down under the surface and then wiped water out of his eyes. “In other words, the Trust probably thinks it’s a worthless planet.”
“Probably.” Jackson followed Cam’s example, ducking down under the water. “It’s worth a shot, and I don’t think it’s going to put us at more risk than we already are.”
“Fair enough,” Cam replied. He finished rinsing off and got out of the water. He probably should have brought a shirt to dry off with, but they’d all taken to wearing as little as possible with the hot weather and lack of clean clothes. Cam swiped as much water off as he could, then pulled his BDUs back on over still-damp skin.
Cam sprawled in the grass a few feet away, waiting for Jackson to finish up. “Have Sam and Vala talked about what happened?” Cam asked, trying for a casual tone.
Jackson shot him a look. “I’m not going to betray any confidences, Cam.”
“I’m not asking you to,” Cam replied. “I’m asking if they’re okay.”
Jackson shrugged. He got out and dried off with his shirt. “Short term? They’re both tough, and they know how to put things aside to focus on the mission. Long term? I don’t know. It’s hard to say with Vala; she’s probably weathered worse. But for Sam, it might depend on what we find out about Jack.”
“Yeah, that’s what I thought,” Cam replied.
Jackson lowered himself to the ground next to Cam carefully. “Sam and Jack-they waited a long time. They’re close.”
“I got that,” Cam replied. “I’ve known Sam since the Academy, you know?”
“So I’ve heard.” After a week, the swelling in Jackson’s face had finally gone down, and Cam could see the mottled bruising on his left side where the Jaffa had broken ribs. “For whatever it’s worth, I believe this is the right call, Colonel.”
“Oh, I think we can drop rank,” Cam said. “We’re refugees. Rank doesn’t matter a whole hell of a lot now.”
Jackson glanced over. “Are you okay?”
“Not really,” Cam said honestly. “I miss my folks.”
“I’m sorry,” Jackson said, his voice sincere. “I hadn’t really thought how hard this would be for you.”
“It’s hard for all of us,” Cam replied.
“You have family on Earth.”
“So do you,” Cam quickly said. “I know what team means, Jackson.”
Jackson gave him a serious look. “I know you do.”
Cam rubbed his eyes. “Come on. Let’s let the women have their turn.”
Even though they’d made a decision, no one seemed happy with it. To Cam, going to Edora seemed like just another way to postpone breaking up the band. Eventually, they would have to split up, and while he didn’t want to hasten that day, he also wanted to get it over with.
Cam didn’t sleep well that night, and he was awake long before anyone else. He rose and dressed in the clothing they’d traded for in the village. He doubted they’d be wearing their uniforms until they made it to Atlantis.
Assuming they made it to Atlantis, of course.
The others moved slowly, engaging in stilted, desultory conversation as they packed up, but they walked in silence. Cam led the way, glad for the quiet. For the last week, they’d all been able to put off thinking about what happened next-and now the moment was here, and they’d have to face whatever information they discovered on Edora.
When they arrived at the gate, Sam dialed the address without being told. The gate whooshed into life, and Cam glanced at Sam. “You want to lead the way, or should I?”
“I’ll go. Some of them know me. If they’re guarding the gate, that might help.” Sam walked through without saying anything more.
“I guess I’ll bring up the rear,” Cam muttered. “Go on.”
Vala and Jackson walked through side-by-side, with Teal’c close behind. Cam followed, and felt the gate close behind him.
“This way,” Sam called.
Cam stuck to his position at the rear of the group, keeping a hand on his P-90, alert for any sign of danger. They hadn’t been walking long when they approached a small collection of thatched houses, their exteriors neatly plastered. Cam could see signs of an Earth presence here and there in newer equipment and nylon ropes. Nothing too obvious, but Cam knew what to look for.
Someone sent up a shout as they approached, and women and children began to emerge from inside the houses. Most of the faces were curious, with no hint of apprehension, and Cam relaxed slightly.
If the Edorans weren’t frightened of strangers, chances were good that Cam’s team didn’t have anything to worry about.
Cam knew that General O’Neill had gotten close to one woman in particular while he’d been stranded on the planet, and he spotted her immediately by the flash of recognition that crossed her face when she saw Sam. She was in her late-forties, early-fifties, and she took two quick steps forward, faltering as she searched each of their faces. Cam could see the desperate hope in her eyes, quickly replaced by disappointment.
“Major Carter,” the woman said, stepping forward with an outstretched hand.
“Just Sam, please.” Sam didn’t bother correcting the woman about her rank. “It’s good to see you again, Laira.”
Laira nodded, her lips tightly compressed. “And Dr. Jackson and Teal’c.”
“This is Cam and Vala,” Sam said, indicating each of them in turn.
Laira smiled shakily. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Why don’t you come and have a drink and a bite to eat?”
Sam sat at the table with Laira, and Cam motioned for Jackson to take the other available chair. The rest of them stood around the room, accepting the cool, clear well water Laira offered. Laira sliced up bread and spread it with butter. Cam wasn’t hungry, but he took a slice to avoid insulting her.
“I’m sorry,” Laira said quietly. “When I saw you, I thought-I hoped.”
Sam reached out and clasped her hand. “I know. I’d hoped, too. I thought if Jack got free, he might come here.”
Laira nodded. “Fourteen days ago, seven people came through the stone ring-one woman and six men. The men didn’t give their names, but she said her name was Carrie.”
Cam straightened, catching the quick look Jackson threw his way. O’Neill had apparently sent Carolyn Lam through the gate, which seemed to indicate that not all was well with General Landry.
Sam nodded. “Did they say anything?”
“Carrie said that Jack had stayed behind to close the stone ring.” Laira stared down at her hands. “When I saw you, I thought maybe-”
“We weren’t on Earth,” Sam said softly. “We didn’t know what had happened until we tried to dial home.”
Laira looked up to meet Sam’s eyes. “I’m sorry. I know how close you were.”
“How long did Carrie and the others stay?” Jackson asked gently.
“Not long. They said that if anyone asked about them, we were to tell the truth-that they had only passed through, and we didn’t know where they were going. I made sure that no one watched them go through the ring.” Laira looked at each of them in turn. “They said they couldn’t risk being followed.”
“We can’t either,” Cam said quietly. “Laira, do you mind if we take a moment to talk?”
Laira managed a smile. “Take all the time you need. I should tell Garan you’re here. He’d be sorry not to say hello.”
Once the door had closed behind Laira, Sam put her head in her hands. “He’s leading them away,” she said. “Jack’s making sure no one follows us-any of us.”
“We can’t stay here,” Cam said. “We can’t risk it. We can’t risk these people.”
“No, we can’t,” Jackson said slowly, his words measured. He rubbed his eyes. “Teal’c? What do you think?”
“I must go to Dakara,” Teal’c replied. “I have only a few days’ supply of tretonin left, and my place is with my people.” He squatted down next to Sam’s chair. “Colonel Carter, I will speak with Master Bra’tac. If we can find General O’Neill, we will do so. We will send him to you if we can.”
“I know you will, Teal’c,” Sam managed. “Maybe we should-”
Jackson reached out for Sam’s hand. “Sam.”
“I know,” Sam repeated, taking a deep breath. “Vala, what do you think?”
Vala walked over to the single, small window. “There’s a world that serves as a trading hub for the more unsavory sorts. I would recommend going there and stealing a ship.”
“Unsavory sorts?” Cam asked wryly. “Doesn’t that include you?”
Vala gave him a cool look, one eyebrow raised. “I might have been a thief, Cameron, but I didn’t make a habit of trading on human misery.”
“Mitchell,” Jackson growled a warning. He had been protective of Vala over the last week, making Cam think he knew something about what had gone on in that Goa’uld prison.
Cam held up his hands in surrender. “Sorry.”
“These people are murderers who kill others for fun and profit, and slavers,” Vala said. “They really are very bad people.”
“I’m sorry, Vala,” Cam said sincerely. “I get that they’re a different kind of people. So, what’s the plan?”
“We find one of those very bad people, we kill them, and we take their ship,” Vala said bluntly.
“Kill them?” Jackson asked, sounding just as alarmed as Cam felt. That same alarm was reflected on Sam’s face, too.
“How else are we going to make sure they don’t chase us down?” Vala asked pragmatically. “We don’t have Marines at our disposal anymore, Daniel. We aren’t even going to have Muscles around. I promise, we will find people the universe won’t miss.”
Cam blew out a breath. “Slavers, you said?”
Vala nodded. “Or weapons dealers. We’ll find some just for you, Colonel.”
“Sam?” Cam inquired.
“We have to get to Atlantis,” Sam said. “Sometimes you have a break a few eggs.”
“That sounds like something Jack would say,” Jackson murmured.
Sam shrugged. “We’ve spent enough time together.”
“Okay, one thing at a time,” Cam said. “We can’t stay here. There’s too much risk.”
“We leave now,” Sam said. “Teal’c dials Dakara, or wherever, and we dial the place Vala knows.”
“I believe it’s for the best, Colonel Carter,” Teal’c murmured.
Sam nodded. “Yeah, I know.” She finished the last of her water. “We should say goodbye to Laira and Garan.”
Laira was approaching when they emerged from the house, a young man in tow. He looked to be in his mid-twenties, and he smiled broadly when he saw them. “Sam! Dr. Jackson!”
“Daniel,” Jackson insisted. “You’re looking well, Garan.”
Garan shrugged, although a proud, pleased smile stole across his face. “That’s mostly Naytha’s doing.”
“How is she?” Jackson asked, showing every sign of sincerity. Cam was amazed once again at Jackson’s ability to make connections and remember faces and personal details.
Garan waved, and a young woman about his age walked over, a child on her hip. “Daniel, Sam, Teal’c, you remember Naytha. And this is my son, Jack.”
A real smile broke over Sam’s face. “Really? Jack’s going to go nuts when he hears he has a namesake.”
Garan smiled. “We’re expecting our second child.”
“Congratulations,” Sam said sincerely. “That’s wonderful.”
Laira glanced at them. “You have to leave.”
“We can’t put you at risk, Laira,” Jackson said quietly. “You, or Garan, or anyone else. It’s the same reason that the others left so quickly.”
Laira nodded. “If you can, will you send word?”
“I will send word,” Teal’c promised. “I give you my oath.”
She nodded. “Then we don’t want to know where you’re going.”
“I think that’s for the best,” Sam replied.
Cam watched as Laira hugged Sam, and he wondered how it was they’d come to an understanding, given that they both obviously loved O’Neill.
Or maybe that was why they’d connected. Cam had never professed to understand women.
“Thanks for the hospitality,” Cam said as they took their leave.
“Fair day,” Laira responded.
“Fair day,” Daniel murmured in reply.
~~~~~
Sam thought it might have been harder to see Laira, but she knew that the other woman loved Jack. And really, if anyone could understand the loyalty and love that Jack could engender, Laira could.
Laira had clung to her briefly, whispering for Sam’s ears alone, “I’m so sorry.”
And if anyone understood what it was like to lose Jack to duty, Laira would.
Teal’c stepped up to the DHD and began dialing, his movements quick and graceful. Sam watched him, feeling numb. First Jack, and now Teal’c-only she and Daniel were left of the original team. Even though they’d said goodbye before, there was always the option of meeting up again on Earth. This was different.
This felt permanent.
The wormhole formed, and Teal’c turned to clasp Cam’s arm. “Take care of yourself, big guy,” Cam ordered
Teal’c lowered his head in a gesture of respect and handed Cam his staff weapon. Daniel didn’t wait for Teal’c to approach; he pulled Teal’c into a tight embrace. Teal’c whispered something in Daniel’s ear that Sam couldn’t hear, and Daniel nodded. “Good luck, Teal’c,” Daniel said, his voice hoarse.
Vala hugged Teal’c, which was new. Vala had shied away with contact from anyone other than Sam and Daniel over the last week. “Take care of yourself, Muscles.”
“You do the same, Vala Mal Doran.” Teal’c turned to look at Sam, and she hugged him hard, feeling Teal’c’s warm, strong arms around her. “I will save him if I can, Colonel Samantha Carter.”
“If anyone can, it’s you,” Sam replied. “And Teal’c? If you get a chance to get to Earth, check on Cassie?”
“Of course,” he promised, and then released her, collected his staff weapon from Cam, and walked to the gate. He turned just before he stepped through the event horizon, lifted his hand in a solemn farewell, and then he was gone.
“All right, Vala, where are we going?” Cam asked once the wormhole had blinked out.
They purposely hadn’t made the decision while Teal’c was still around, just in case-and other than knowing Teal’c was going to find Master Bra’tac, they didn’t know where Teal’c was going either.
“There’s a world used as a hub for various black market activities,” Vala replied. “We’re going to need a cover story, though. What are we going to say we’re buying or selling?”
“Goa’uld and Ancient technology,” Daniel said readily. “You and Sam can use Goa’uld devices because you were hosts, and I’m your translator.”
“And me?” Cam asked.
Vala grinned at him. “You can be our muscle.”
Cam rolled his eyes. “Thanks, Vala.”
“Everyone has their own talents,” Vala replied.
Sam snorted. “We’re going to need a pilot, Cam.”
“That’s a little better than being the hired muscle,” Cam replied. “All right, people. Let’s go find ourselves a ship.”
Going through the gate was still an adventure for Sam; she’d never quite gotten over that rush stepping on alien soil for the first time, but it was heavily undercut by weariness now.
All soil was alien when there was no chance of going home.
Vala moved through the crowds in the bazaar with confidence, her shoulders back, tendrils of dark hair blowing around her face. Daniel stayed close to her side, his expression and body language quietly menacing. Sam wondered if Daniel realized how protective he’d become of Vala over the last week or two.
Cam stayed next to Sam, his shoulder just brushing hers. “What do you think it means that General O’Neill sent Carrie off-world?” he asked in a low voice.
Sam winced. “Nothing good. My guess is that Landry was one of those compromised or killed-but probably compromised.”
“Fuck,” Cam said succinctly.
“That’s one way to put it.”
“How are you doing, Sam?”
The quiet question had Sam blinking rapidly, trying to control her emotions. “I’m okay. I’m trying not to think about it, to be honest.”
“Sorry,” Cam said.
She shook her head. “No, it’s okay. Thanks for asking. What about you?”
“I worry about my folks,” he confessed. “I know I don’t get to see them all that often, but now that I know I can’t see them…” He trailed off. “You know.”
“Yeah, I do,” Sam said.
Cam bumped her shoulder companionably. “You notice the thing?” he asked with a deliberate nod towards Daniel and Vala.
Sam nodded. “Yeah.”
“Guess we’ll have to stick together then,” Cam said with a conspiratorial smile.
“Guess we will. Thanks.”
“Any time.”
Vala suddenly called out, “Reese!”
Sam stayed on Vala’s heels as they forced their way through the crowd. Cam put a hand on Sam’s lower back, staying just behind and to the right of her, keeping in close contact. Sam tried not to think about how differently Jack would have handled this situation. He would have insisted on leading the charge, trusting Sam or Teal’c to bring up the rear.
She never wanted to compare Cam’s leadership style with Jack’s, but it seemed inevitable. The brass had put Cam in charge of SG-1, after all-at least nominally. Even if Cam didn’t think of himself that way, it didn’t change the facts.
As they made their way through the crowd to a stall on the edge of the market square, Sam felt Cam drop just slightly behind her, and Sam knew he was watching her back.
Vala was greeting a short, paunchy man whose long, thinning hair was pulled back in a braid. She bussed his cheek and turned to introduce Daniel, and then Sam and Cam.
Reese gave them a narrow-eyed look. “Are you all related?”
“Not quite,” Vala replied. “Can we talk?”
Reese nodded. “Tonight? I’m not ready to close up just yet.”
“We’ll wait for you in the tavern,” Vala promised, “if that’s agreeable.”
Reese shrugged. “See you then.”
Vala led them out of the crowds to a small tavern a little removed from the market square. They had a little more breathing room there, and they stood in a small knot at the entrance to a rather dubious-looking alley.
“We have a few hours before Reese will be ready to talk,” Vala said. “He’ll know when the next few ships are due, and what they’ll likely be carrying.”
“What are you thinking, Vala?” Sam asked.
Vala shrugged. “It depends on how quickly we want to move, and how heavily guarded the ships are.”
“And what they’re carrying?” Cam suggested. “I’d rather stay on the right side of the law as much as we can.”
“There’s no law out here, Cameron,” Vala replied. “This is an area of the galaxy run by the Lucian Alliance, among other minor criminal organizations. If we steal a ship, we’ll need to make sure they aren’t going to follow us.”
“I don’t like the idea of killing people in cold blood,” Daniel said slowly.
Vala raised her eyebrows. “When we take their ship, they’ll shoot at us. Will you have any problem shooting back?”
Daniel glared at her. “No, of course not. It’s just-we’re talking about stealing a ship.”
“It’s really not very hard,” Vala said. “I stole yours, didn’t I?”
Sam swallowed her laughter, and she caught Cam’s smirk out of the corner of her eye. “Okay, I think we can all agree that we’re going to have to steal a ship,” Sam said.
“Not unless we’re going to steal a generator with enough power to dial Pegasus,” Cam said. “A ship is our best bet. You on board with that, Jackson?”
Daniel rubbed his eye-the one that wasn’t still sporting a shiner. “I guess we don’t really have a choice.”
“No, not really,” Cam agreed. “So, what do we do while we’re waiting for your friend, Vala?”
“How well do you play cards?” Vala asked.
Sam and Daniel both shrugged, but Cam grinned. “Are you kidding? We played cards all the time when I was a kid. I learned from the best.”
Vala gave Cam a speculative look. “So, you have hidden depths. Well, then, let’s see if we can find a game. We could stand to make some extra cash.”
Sam and Daniel each bought a pint of homebrew. Sam winced when she tasted it the first time, but she didn’t say anything. They found a corner table well away from the card game going on. Cam and Vala had managed to get in on the game. Vala had flirted, and Cam had played the country bumpkin role to the hilt.
“You think Cam can play cards as well as he said?” Daniel asked.
“Hard to say,” Sam replied. “I wouldn’t be surprised. We’re all going to have to use skills we don’t normally need.”
Daniel sipped his ale. “Are you really okay with this plan, Sam?”
Sam wrapped her hands around the clay mug. “Yeah. I guess.”
“Not exactly a ringing endorsement,” Daniel observed.
“There are a lot of things I’m not exactly happy about,” Sam replied.
Daniel met her eyes, and Sam saw her own sorrow reflected in his face. “Yeah, I know.”
~~~~~
Jack knew he wasn’t going to evade capture much longer. He’d noticed signs of pursuit, and had caught sight of at least one man he knew to be an NID operative, but he’d either given them the slip, or they had postponed taking him into custody.
If Jack had to guess, he thought they might be delaying because they still thought he might lead them to others who had escaped.
He snorted at the thought. Like he was that stupid.
Jack missed his team terribly. He’d left the SGC in Landry’s capable hands because General Hammond had tapped him for the position of Director of Homeworld Security, and Jack hadn’t yet learned to say no to an appeal to his sense of duty.
Plus, Jack had believed he could finally do a few things he’d been putting off, and his knees weren’t going to stand up to too many more pitched battles. Going to D.C. had seemed like the answer.
Jack wasn’t sure why the Trust hadn’t arranged to have a snake put in his head; he knew they could have. He suspected that someone at the top of the food chain had other plans for him.
Out of the corner of his eye, Jack got a glimpse of one of the operatives that had been following him for at least the last block. He had the home court advantage here; Jack had been born in Chicago, and he still knew the city. He’d mostly kept to places he’d known well in the past, but where he no longer had connections. He hadn’t wanted the Trust to get any ideas.
Jack broke into a jog, trying to lose himself in the busy foot traffic along the Navy Pier. He’d lose his tail, and then he’d skip town, maybe head north. The Trust was getting too close, but it was still largely an American organization. If he could get to Canada, he might be able to elude capture for a little longer.
Every resource the Trust had to spend looking for Jack was a resource they couldn’t use to go after his people.
The crowds thinned out a bit, and Jack tried to keep his pace to a quick walk. Running would be a sure way to draw attention. He just needed to-
He caught sight of someone approaching from his right, and Jack turned, all senses on alert. This is why he needed his team with him, to keep an eye on his blind side.
The man had a gun pointed at Jack’s midsection. “You need to come with me, General.”
“I don’t think so,” Jack replied, taking a step back. He had no doubt that the Trust could get away with shooting him in broad daylight, but he didn’t think they wanted to try.
And then Jack felt a sharp pinch at the back of his neck, and the world reeled and went dark.
~~~~~
Vala had always been a solo operator in the past, mostly out of necessity. The sort of people she usually did business with would have stabbed her in the back to get her share. Granted, Vala probably would have stolen from a partner given half a chance, but she’d have been a lot sneakier about it.
She’d never been interested in killing people. Stealing, swindling, cheating, sure-but not killing.
Now, she was part of a team, and she had begun to see that there were definite benefits. While Vala often got kicked out of card games for cheating, this time she and Cam had managed to win far more than they’d lost between the two of them. And, since they had both won hands and lost hands, no one had accused them of cheating.
Vala counted their winnings cheerfully as Cam nursed his tankard of rather poor ale.
“How did you guys make out?” Sam asked in a low voice.
Vala grinned. “Like bandits. We need to rent a room while we wait for an appropriate ship.”
“Are we sure they’ll land, instead of using rings?” Daniel asked.
“Rings aren’t allowed,” Vala replied. “All unloading is done on the ground.”
“Why?” Sam inquired.
Vala shrugged. “It’s a security measure. If someone reneges on a deal, their ship can be held until they pay up.”
“Makes sense,” Cam agreed cautiously.
Having finished with a final count, Vala began to divide up the spoils with a purely internal sigh of regret. “It’s safer if we each carry a portion,” she explained.
“Great,” Daniel said without enthusiasm.
Vala gave him a curious look.
“I don’t like the idea of splitting up,” Daniel said. “I think we should avoid that if at all possible.”
“Works for me,” Cam replied. “When is your friend supposed to get here, Vala?”
Vala glanced up at the door just as Reese walked in. “He’s here now.”
Reese had a word with the man behind the bar and then joined them, settling onto the chair they’d kept open. “First off, Vala, I don’t want to know what you and your friends are planning.”
“We wouldn’t dream of telling you our plans,” Vala replied with an insincere smile.
Reese snorted. “So, what do you want to know?”
“What kinds of shipments are expected in the next few days?”
Accepting the tankard the server delivered, Reese responded. “The usual-weapons, trinkets, perhaps slaves. What are you buying?”
“Goa’uld and Ancient technology,” Vala lied easily. “There’s a booming market.”
Reese shrugged. “Says you. From what I understand, you have to have some special power to work that stuff. It’s like magic.”
“Not magic,” Daniel murmured.
“Looks like magic to most,” Reese replied. “So, you want word when someone brings that kind of tech in?”
Vala nodded. “That would be appreciated. But we’d also like word about the next shipment of weapons or slaves.”
Reese gave her a sharp look. “Looking to expand your business?”
“Always.”
“Then I’ll send word when the first ship meeting your requirements arrives,” Reese said. “I assume you’ll want to put in the first bid on the cargo.”
“Of course,” Vala replied.
Reese shrugged. “Now, about dinner…”
“I’m starving,” Cam said. “What’s good here?”
They had a pleasant enough dinner. Vala kept the conversation light and away from problematic subjects. Reese was thankfully uninterested in their pasts or even what they currently wanted to do. Once Reese had finished eating, Vala slipped him some of their recent winnings as a down payment on the information.
No one asked her any questions until they were in the room they had paid for, when Cam asked, “Can he be trusted?”
Vala shrugged. “No, he can’t, which is why I didn’t tell him what our real plans were.”
“And we’re all staying in this room until we receive word,” Daniel said as he sat down on one of the narrow beds.
Vala shrugged. “We don’t have an unlimited supply of funds, and we’re all friends, Daniel. I don’t think it will kill us to share a room.”
“Do you think there’s a place to get a hot bath?” Sam asked with longing in her voice.
Vala brightened. “Oh, excellent idea. There should be a bathhouse in the back of the tavern. Care to join me?”
“Wait, how come you guys get to go first?” Daniel protested.
“Ladies first, Daniel,” Vala replied smugly.
Sam grinned. “Deal with it.”
In exchange for a few coins, they got the bathhouse to themselves, and she and Sam were soon up their necks in hot water.
“Oh, God,” Sam breathed fervently. “I think I’m in heaven.”
Vala smiled. “I agree.”
A companionable silence fell over the room as they soaked in their respective tubs. Vala felt the tension begin to seep out of her tired muscles. The last week had helped Vala regain some of her equilibrium. She no longer felt as though she might fly apart at any moment at least.
“How are you feeling?” Sam asked just as Vala had begun to think of climbing out.
Vala immersed herself completely, and then came up again, running her fingers through her wet hair. “I’m better,” she finally said.
Sam followed Vala’s example, sliding down under the water and beginning to wash her hair. “It wasn’t your fault, Vala.”
“I know that,” Vala replied, unable to keep the testiness out of her voice. “I’m aware of what the Goa’uld are capable of, Sam.”
“I’m sure you do,” Sam said mildly. “But sometimes you need to hear it.”
Vala unbent slightly at that. “Sometimes,” she admitted. “But I already know that you don’t blame me.”
Sam frowned. “Surely you don’t think that Cam or Daniel would think any less of you,” she protested. “They know better.”
“Cameron does,” Vala replied. “But Daniel… His opinion of me has never been terribly high.”
“Yeah, but he doesn’t think this is your fault. He wouldn’t blame you any more than he’d think getting beaten up was his fault.”
When Vala didn’t reply, Sam asked, “How long have you been in love with him?”
Vala let out a little laugh, although she knew the sound didn’t hold much humor. “Since the beginning, not that Daniel would believe me.”
“Daniel hasn’t had a lot of luck with love,” Sam said gently. “Give him a little time. He’s been pretty protective of you since 680.”
“He pities me,” Vala said bluntly.
“He’s sad for you,” Sam corrected her. “There’s a difference.”
Vala scrubbed her hands over her face. “Perhaps. What about you? I know how much you must miss General O’Neill.”
Sam’s voice sounded choked when she said, “I’m trying not to think about what they’ll do to him when they capture him-or what they might be doing to him already.”
“You know Teal’c will save him if he can.”
“Yeah, if he can,” Sam said, despair coloring her voice. “I just-I wish he’d gone through the gate. If he’d escaped off-world, we could probably find him. We could-I don’t know. I just hate the idea of him being tortured somewhere without even the hope of rescue.”
Vala reached out, crossing the space between the two tubs they occupied, and Sam met her halfway. They clung to each other like a lifeline. Vala was tremendously grateful for the human contact.
With Sam, Vala felt no threat, no fear that there was an ulterior motive to her touch. There was only simple warmth and the knowledge that Sam was there for her.
It was a novel feeling, but it was one Vala could relish.
~~~~~
Daniel winced as he tried to rewrap his wrist. It still hurt, but he could still move his fingers, which was a good sign.
“Here, let me do that,” Vala said softly, taking the bandage from Daniel and beginning to wind it around his hand and wrist with a practiced touch.
“Shouldn’t Mitchell and Sam be back by now?” Daniel asked.
Vala shrugged. “They haven’t been gone very long. How was the bath?”
“Nice. I finally feel clean,” Daniel replied. Mitchell had visited the bathhouse the previous night, but Daniel had been deeply asleep by the time Sam and Vala had returned. Daniel had just taken his turn that morning. “How long do you think we’ll have to wait for a ship?”
“There are ships that come in every week, but we’re going to have to find one that’s in good repair, and that has a functioning hyperdrive.” Vala clipped the bandage in place. “It’s hard to say how long that will take.”
“Days? Weeks?”
“Months.” Vala shook her head. “I don’t know.”
He frowned and grabbed her hand. “Hey, don’t worry about it. You’ve done a lot. If you hadn’t been with us, we really would have been screwed.” He saw her shoulders move, as though she was shrugging off his words. “What’s wrong?”
“There’s nothing wrong,” Vala insisted.
“Okay,” Daniel said slowly. “Okay. Just-if you need to talk, I’m here.”
She gave him a sharp look, and for a moment, he thought she might rebuff him, but whatever she saw in his face must have been satisfactory, because her shoulders relaxed. “Thank you.”
The door swung open to admit Sam and Mitchell. They were carrying bread and some kind of dried fruit. Daniel was surprised to even think it, but he missed the commissary’s food. He missed burgers at the diner that was located near the base, and pizza, and Thai and waffles. He missed his own bed, and his own clothes, and a hundred other things.
Daniel missed Jack, and he suspected that Sam was just as worried about the general as he was.
“There was word in the marketplace that a new ship has landed,” Sam said softly. “No word on what it’s carrying.”
“If it has the right cargo, Reese will let us know,” Vala said with assurance.
Vala’s faith in her associate wasn’t misplaced. They had just finished their breakfast when someone knocked on their door. Sam moved to the side, drawing her weapon and covering the door while Mitchell answered it.
“I have a message for Vala Mal Doran.” The high voice belonged to a child, a girl who looked to be about ten.
“I’m Vala.”
The girl looked at the rest of them quickly, assessing the potential threat, before refocusing on Vala. “Reese said to tell you that the ship has landed, and it has the cargo you seek. It’s just to the north of town.”
“Excellent,” Vala said. She pulled out a small leather pouch and shook out a couple of coins, before handing the coins and the pouch to the girl. “Take that to Reese. The coins are yours.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” the girl replied, executing a rough curtsey before running off.
Mitchell shut the door behind her. “All right. What’s our game plan?”
“Sam and I will check out the vessel, posing as buyers,” Vala replied.
Mitchell shook his head. “No. No way. We all go.”
“They’ll sense a threat and act accordingly,” Vala returned. She looked at Daniel. “Tell me. When you look at Sam and me, do you see a threat?”
Daniel hesitated, suspecting it was a trick question. Either woman could kick his ass, as well as the asses of most of the people he knew-but he knew what Vala meant. “Well, knowing you both as well as I do, that’s a hard question to answer,” he prevaricated.
“Damn it,” Mitchell cursed, and Daniel knew they’d just lost the argument. “Why don’t you take Jackson?” he asked. “He’s injured. They’ll underestimate him, too.”
“Hey!” Daniel protested, feeling vaguely insulted.
“I think it has to be Vala and me,” Sam said apologetically. “We both know more about ship engines and what we need to get to Pegasus, and they won’t think of us as a threat. We can get on board, inspect the merchandise, maybe convince them to give us the grand tour. By the time we’re off the ship, we’ll know what we need.”
Daniel sighed. “I don’t think we have another choice. Sam’s right.”
“I know she is.” Mitchell scowled. “Fine, but we’re sticking close by, so you two can send up a distress signal if you need. If it’s the right one, when are we going to do this?”
Sam and Vala exchanged a look. “Let’s wait and see how they respond to us,” Sam suggested. “If we can get on board the ship and take them by surprise, that might be best.”
“We’ll need more food,” Daniel said. “How long is it going to take to get to Atlantis, Sam?”
“Hard to say,” she replied. “It depends on the speed of the engines, and whether we have to stop for repairs. I’ll know more once we get a look at the ship.”
Mitchell nodded. “Okay, then. You two work your magic, and if the ship will suit our needs, we’ll stock up on food. We may have to make some stops along the way to supplement.”
“A vessel like this will likely already have food storage,” Vala said. “It might not be good food, but it will keep us going.”
Mitchell rubbed his eyes and set his shoulders. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
Daniel trailed the others out of the room. He really didn’t like this plan, but he couldn’t see another option. They had to get to Pegasus, and this was the best way to get there.
But that didn’t mean he had to like the idea of turning brigand.
Chapter 5