Prophecy Goa'uld? by cjsplace

Prophecy Goa'uld ~ 6

Buffy sat before the Chappa'ai meditating, with the ever-faithful Shat'tac guarding her. Atal'c and several others had spread out in the surrounding area to ensure the coming meeting remained private. Buffy felt the Chappa'ai open as her own consciousness unfurled outward to journey through the spiraling blue. To say it was an out of body experience was like comparing house cats to lions. She closed her eyes even though she realized it wasn't her physical body racing through the pathway toward her friends. The spiraling lights racing by were dizzying to look at. All too quickly, it spit her spirit spit out of its wild ride as she floated delicately down to alight on the Nox home planet.

She smiled happily when Lya and Anteaus appeared from the forest. Narim phased into sight moments later. His bright blues eyes sparkled with happiness as he stepped forward to embrace her in a welcoming hug. She stepped from his arms straight into Lya's, while Anteaus patted her shoulder. She still didn't understand how they physically interacted with her spirit form, and didn't care. It felt nice to be among her friends once more.

"Welcome star child, what brings your spirit on this journey?"

Lya's soft voice wafted over Buffy, bringing back the wonderful calm she always felt around the peace-loving woman. Buffy sent her a warm smile as she reluctantly extracted herself from the warm embrace. "I've come to ask for your aide," she said, allowing her gaze to encompass them as she spoke. "Can you watch over Dara Seans in my absence, keeping it from prying eyes?"

"What takes you from your home, star child?" Anteaus asked as worry filled his face. He stepped closer as if his physical presence might resolve the issue.

Buffy sent him a tentative smile. She remembered their first meeting and how standoffish he had acted around her. By contrast, Lya had welcomed her with an open heart, ready to help in any way she could to bring about Dara Seans rebirth. Buffy knew it was simply Lya's way to see the good in people. It was also, why she hadn't taken offense with Anteaus' more cautious approach. She knew he probably had good reasons for not trusting strangers easily. Buffy had eventually won the cantankerous man over to her side. She rather enjoyed his dry manner and straightforward way of looking at the things.

It pained her to bring up the subject on which they had agreed to disagree. There was no way around it and time was working against her. She knew Shat'tac and the others would guard her body until Dara Seans turned back to dust. Buffy knew she couldn't actually stay away too long without causing panic to spread.

"I've been asked to help the Tau'ri in their fight against the Ori," she answered, continuing before her friends could interrupt. "I only do so with the promise that Dara Seans will remain safe and far from the Ori's reach." Buffy blew out her breath on a heavy sigh. Her eyes roamed over her friends faces as she allowed them to consider her words.

Three heads nodded in agreement and understanding. Buffy had often wondered if the Nox and Tollan spoke telepathically. They had never done so when speaking with her. It certainly didn't mean they were incapable of it though. She thought they might think it rude since she was hadn't achieved this higher-level of communication.

She bowed her head at them respectfully. "Thank you once again for coming to Dara Seans' aide. Now, I can do what I must, knowing that should it become necessary you will be there to keep it safe, until I can return to my home and people." Buffy started drifting upward, ready to retreat back into the Chappa'ai when Lya called out to her.

"Remember, star child, remember who you are and that no one can decide your path but you. Listen to your heart. It will guide you on the proper path as it has throughout the years. Go, do what you must. We will keep Dara Seans safe as you ask, until you return to your rightful place."

The words wrapped around Buffy in an almost physical embrace. Tears of gratitude pricked her eyes as her lips lifted into a brilliant, yet tremulous smile. Her spirit waited for the tugging pull of her homebound passage. The outward swoosh gathered her in its wake, before it hurtled her back down the rabbit hole toward home. She had foolishly allowed her emotions to run amuck during her journey. Buffy felt this with every cell of her being as her spirit slammed back into her body.

Total chaos reigned down on her. She went from her original position to an upward projectile that Shat'tac rushed to catch. Luck did not shine down on her in this regard. Buffy landed with a sound "THUD" thirty feet from where she had started. Even merged with Sineya and able to withstand allot, it didn't stop the pain that rushed up to greet her as she tried to catch her breath.

"Whoa," she groaned as she tried to get up.

A large hand appeared to support her back. Buffy cautiously opened her eyes then quickly closed them again. She felt rather than saw Shat'tac lean closer to examine her for visible injuries. Daring to open her eyes again, she met the worried look from her trusted friend.

"To quote our new friend, the world is all inny outy," Buffy said, surprised to hear her voice come out in a strangled moan.

Shat'tac shook his head at her as he ignored her protests and lifted her from the ground. His steps turned toward the pyramid, knowing the others would follow once they assured no one had seen or heard Sineya's rather abrupt return. He stared down at the small woman who lay nestled against his chest. She appeared so still and calm, which equally scared and relieved him. Sineya was never one to, as she would say, 'chill.' Her entire being fairly hummed with suppressed energy that at times she felt hard pressed to contain, even her name evoked images of power. He had come to appreciate that energy, even more so he relied on it. Shat'tac knew he wasn't alone in that regard.

They cleared the side passage, where Buffy's handmaiden, Atarah, waited even though she had strict orders to get some sleep. The two self-appointed guardians exchanged looks that spoke volumes. Atarah's small, round body moved surprisingly quick as she rushed toward the bedroom to clear the way for her mistress. Shat'tac worked to keep the smile from his face at the clucking noise the older woman made, knowing she would have some harsh words for Buffy. He glanced down at his still quiet passenger, wondering when she planned to stop pretending at unconsciousness.

"She has rushed ahead to your room. I have cleared your coast for you. Although, I do not think it will help you once she sees you clearly," he whispered to the still supine woman.

One eye winked open to peer down what she could see of the hall from her current position. "Don't pick on me, my head still hurts," she pouted. "I can't handle her fussing at me, yet. I'll take my licks like a good little girl, but later much, much later." She heard Atarah's heavy footsteps heading their way and quickly shut her eyes.

Vala woke the next morning, and tried to role over onto her stomach. Try as she might her body refused to obey her command. She closed her eyes in frustration only to quickly open them again when her nightmares flooded her mind. Her eyes roamed the limited viewpoint and released a relieved sigh that she was still in her bedroom. Vala twisted her head to the left. Her lips bloomed into a full-blown Vala smile when she saw Daniel sleeping peacefully next to her. It also partly explained why she couldn't move. Now, she just had to figure out who or what had her pinned down on the other side.

Twisting her head back to its original position, she tried to no avail to peek over the edge of the bed. Several curse words in a vast array of languages filled the air. She stilled hoping her outburst would wake Daniel, no such luck. She heard his soft snuffling, which meant he was happily oblivious in the Land of Nod. Vala's brow wrinkled with concentration as she worked through her predicament. She suddenly sucked in her breath until her stomach became concave. Finally, she had the slimmest amount of room between her and her pseudo mummification of blankets, which gave her enough leeway to inchworm her hand out from under the covers.

Vala let out a happy little shout at her success. She stared at her hand for several moments as if she had just discovered the strange appendage, before she used it to try to pull her body toward the bed's edge. It was slow going as she pulled and wiggled toward her target. She blew hair from her face as her head finally cleared the side of the bed. Her eyes went wide with wonder then softened. Vala had to blink several times to keep tears at bay. The smile that lit her face was possibly viewable from Earth. Next to the bed, and on the covers edge, thus trapping her, lay Teal'c and Cameron.

The nightmares from last night came back to her, and she remembered Teal'c's kind offer to guard her while she rested. Cameron not to be outdone decided he would stand guard as well. When Teal'c calmly lay down on the floor next to her bed, crossed his massive arms and shut his eyes, Cameron shrugged his shoulders and followed suit. Daniel had started to get up from the bed, when she begged him to stay with her. It warmed her heart to know that the entire team cared about her well-being. She didn't have to bribe them, or with Teal'c even have to ask.

Vala's grey-blue eyes wandered over the Jaffa warrior's muscled physique. Teal'c was an extremely attractive man, who kept to himself while providing his insights in small doses. She wondered if anyone knew him intimately. He had such depth to him, which she thought the others many times overlooked. His quiet warrior ways led Cameron, and at times Daniel, to forget how old Teal'c was and how much he had already experienced. She knew he saw much more than the brilliant archeologist did when it came to a worldview. Her poor Daniel, she couldn't help but care about the gentle, absentminded, focused man. But, he lost himself in his work, while forgetting about the present many times. Dark eyes peered up at her, startling her from her inner reveling.

"Are you well, ValaMalDoran?"

She nodded her head unsure she had the words to express her gratitude. Vala would never know as their daily escort chose that moment to enter their quarters. She laughed at Cameron's comical responses. He shot partway up from the floor to scrabble toward the door. Then, he peeked around the corner as if he expected return fire.

Teal'c slowly stood up and approached the young commander. He tapped him gently on the head to get his attention. "I do not believe we are in danger from attack while still in the bedroom, CameronMitchell."

The raised noise level finally filtered into Daniel's psyche. He lifted his tousled head to squint at the guilty culprits. Daniel saw Teal'c and Cameron by the bedroom door, with Vala still lying beside him. "Could anybody tell me what's going on, or even what time it is? I don't seem to know where I put my glasses last night," he mumbled, while rubbing the remaining sleep from his eyes.

A deep male voice sounded from the front room. "Sineya requests your presence in the throne room within the hour."

"Guess that answers that," Vala said. She threw the covers back happy to be free from her enforced cocoon. Her hands went to her hips as she addressed the room at large. "Well boys, I for one am going to have something to eat. Who knows," she said in a theatrical, heavy whisper, "it may be our last."

She sauntered into the open living area, immediately heading toward the large table. It still amazed her at the cornucopia of food served to them. Sineya certainly fed them well, no matter what hoops she had them jump through.

All too soon the team marched between their guards on their way to see what type adventure today may bring. The front guard motioned for them to stop and gather round. They did as asked, curious to see what had stopped their progress. Shat'tac stepped from the shadows, nodding at the guards. They silently assumed the rear-guard position, watching and waiting.

"This morning you will have the honor of listening to Sineya as she speaks with her advisors." Dara Seans' First Prime swept over them with his hardened no nonsense glare. "You are to listen, only. Should you break the silence I will remove you." The last statement sounded like he hoped they spoke.

"We will honor you rules, Shat'tac of Dara Seans," Teal'c announced, startling the team since he usually deferred to Cameron given his position as leader. "This too is part of understanding Dara Seans ways, is it not?"

Vala's eyebrow rose at his question. She did a fair impression of the Jaffa's favorite expression; although she knew his stoic expression was beyond her skill set. She caught Daniel about to open his mouth; grabbing his hand, she sunk her nails into the soft, meaty side of his palm. The surprised glare he sent her way was exactly what she wanted. Vala simply mimed zipping her lips. Her eyes narrowed when he stared back with confusion written clearly across his face. She pressed her finger to her lips in the universal signal for quiet. Daniel's mouth fell into the 'oh' position she found so adorable.

Shat'tac ignored their by-play; bowing his head to Teal'c, he motioned them forward. They stepped into an enclave set into the wall. It gave them the perfect place to stand without others knowing they were present, while still allowing them to see and hear everything happening within the room. Shat'tac sent them one last glare, before turning around to watch Sineya. He turned his back to his audience for other reasons as well.

Buffy sat on the throne resplendent in sheer black, with her long braids intricately wrapped around head. She wished she could trade places with Shat'tac and hear her guests' reactions to what they were about to witness. Bowing her head to Atal'c, the proceedings were formally in session. Her eyes sparkled with glee as she pushed away thoughts of leaving and simply focused on enjoying the day.

The room filled quickly with those whose council she sought. Buffy/Sineya believed knowledge came from everywhere and did her best to respect and utilize the resources available to her. She had learned long ago not to exclude anyone in her quest. It took some time and downright stubbornness on her part to get her views across to the people of Dara Seans. Once it took root though, she couldn't have stopped what she started should she have the power of all the Ori at command. This thought pleased her more than almost anything else she had done here.

She stood in one graceful motion. It hinted at her physical strength, while her attire quickly kept anyone viewing the act from studying it too deeply. Buffy stepped down the steps until she stood midway where she and those present could see each other clearly.

"It is time once more for us to gather together and discuss the well-being of Dara Seans. Who would like to go first?"

Several stepped forward to volunteer. Buffy smiled at the person who rushed forward while the other volunteers approached more sedately. They echoed her smile when they saw who had won the honors.

"Alright, Kigorn, please tell us what you have observed since the last council."

This was his first time to attend council, and he didn't want to make any mistakes. He took several calming breaths as he tried to remember everything the others had told me, including his own observations.

"Take your time. No one wants you to rush through and possibly forget something important," Buffy said, hoping to calm his nerves.

Kigorn nodded his head, closed his eyes and gathered his thoughts. "Everyone's talking about the strangers and wondering why they're still here. Issa told me that Sha'har was sad. I tried to explain to her that he just missed Chava. She told me it was more than that. She said his house makes him sad."

He started to open his mouth again when Buffy stepped down to stand before him. Kigorn peeked up at her afraid he had made some mistake. A huge sigh of relief left his lips when he saw her smile at him. He stood up straight and returned her smile.

Buffy reached out to caress his cheek, as she spoke. "You're both right, Kigorn. Sha'har's sad because he misses Chava, but Issa's also right. I have been remiss in my duties and should have seen this. That's why I need all your help. Sha'har and Chava spent many happy years together. Her passing left him not only alone but lonely. Do you understand?"

She worked hard to keep the smile from turning into laughter. Kigorn scrunched his brow as he tried to decipher the difference. Buffy saw the moment understanding blossomed in his quick little mind. His bright eyes turned up to hers as he said, "I've never seen Sha'har without Chava, and now he's misses her and her company. I would hate to live in a house all by myself."

"That's exactly right, Kigorn. What else do you have to tell us?" She wanted to know about the day SG-1 visited the classes, but she wanted him to tell her in his own words and time.

SG-1 had watched this with interest and growing curiosity. The more they learned about Sineya, the more and less they understood about her as she was an intriguing, often frustrating mix of contradictions. Daniel turned to ask Shat'tac a question when the death glare the other man gave him was more than enough to remind him of the rules. This watching without talking might be the hardest task Daniel had ever tried to achieve.

"The strangers are well, very strange," Kigorn said, searching for the right words to express what he meant. Buffy understood her role and quietly asked him how, and to give her some examples. He nodded his head happily, knowing just what she meant. "The one with the glasses talked about old things and dead people. He's like Glu'kel, wondering round and round until he forgets where he was heading, and someone has to bring him back home. Sewing class went well. Mostly they think the strange Jaffa should smile more and that it won't make him a bad soldier. Shat'tac smiles and he's the best soldier ever next to you." Buffy smiled at him, and nodded for him to continue. "Uh, the other one who went with the olders, well he needs to learn not to smile so much. His smiles are too quick and they have no meaning most times. They're like a face he puts on to hide behind. The olders thought the dances were fun, but didn't like being around him. They could tell he didn't want to teach them. We weren't sure what or if the other did or not, because he never stopped talking, even when we asked questions. Everyone agreed we never heard anyone talk so much and not say anything." He thought over everything and shrugged his small shoulders. "Don't know anything bout the lady that watched the babies. Oh, almost forgot, Chay'yim said he saw strange dogs out near the apples. He threw rocks at them then ran away, but they scared him."

Buffy understood why she was only hearing about the dogs now. Anything said in council was sacrosanct and not talked about outside these walls, including the names of those offering information. Council was strictly for the exchange of information, ideas and opinions gathered from those the member came to represent. It was especially important for the children to know that their voice mattered. Their quick minds and sharp eyes saw much more than most people realized. And, she found that children had no compunction about telling the truth it all its bald glory.

"Thank you, Kigorn, you've done very well. Please let the children know not to play in the orchards until we take care of the dogs. You may stay or leave as you please. But, you must remember that you can't repeat the things talked about in council. If you're unsure whether you can do so, then its best to leave before we continue," Buffy explained, while she watched his expressive face once more as he listened to her. She could almost count the different emotions at war within him as tried valiantly to come to the right decision. Leaning down, she lowered her voice so that only he could hear. "It's all right not to stay. No one will think any less of you. You've done a wonderful job today. I'll even tell you a secret; I'd leave if I could."

His eyes widened in wonder at her words. "Really?"

Buffy nodded her head as she brushed the hair back from his face. "Tell you what. You can go back and tell Issa she was right, and then you two can go visit with Sha'har. Get him to leave his house and take you for a walk, I'll bet he has some wonderful stories to tell."

The room remained silent until Kigorn made his hasty retreat. Buffy wasn't the only one who looked at him longingly. They understood the importance of the council meetings, but that in no way shortened the long hours ahead of them. Buffy looked up at the next person ready to come forward. She stepped back and prepared to listen. Buffy knew that she would need to repeat this meeting several times in order to hear from every settlement spread across Dara Seans.

An elderly woman started her dissertation. "We will need to train another mid-wife. Diklah can't keep up with the number of women already expecting and those who have come to her discussing their hopes of being so soon." Soft chuckles rippled through the room. "And, don't you be sending anymore strangers into my nursery, Siny." A gnarled finger wagged at Buffy in disapproval. "My angels don't deserve that, and I don't care what you're trying to figure out. But, should you care to hear my opinion...this is it," She drew in wheezing breath, before continuing. "I've never seen a female more scared of little babies than that one. Watched her fare crying right along with the babies, near makes me wonder if she never knew a mother's love. Didn't do bad, but she didn't do good neither."

Buffy accepted her chastisement, as she well deserved. Although, in her own defense, she hadn't left Vala completely unattended with Dara Seans smallest charges as attested by the current scolding she was receiving. She hadn't considered the harm it might do to the babies. Damn it, her people were far more important than these games.

"I promise it will never happen again. The babies weren't too upset were they?" she asked with her voice filled with concern.

The older woman's face softened when she saw Sineya had taken her words seriously. No one hurt her babies, not as long as breath rattled in her chest. It did their lady good to remember she too could make mistakes. She continued with what she had to say and stepped back as another quickly replaced her.

Vala heard the old woman's words, and felt her nightmare rush back at her. Was someone punishing her for her past exploits, or was there something more to this? What had she ever done that would garner the punishment she had lived through in living Technicolor last night? Vala had no illusions about who she was, and never ever lied to herself. Yet, in all her years even those she spent as Qetesh, she had never torn children from their mother's arms.

Teal'c admired the proceedings he was witnessing. He had never seen the likes on any of the worlds they had visited. The closest he could recall was what he remembered reading in the Declaration of Independence. Yet, even though its founders eloquently wrote their intentions, Teal'c had trouble understanding their implementation. He had seen with his own eyes that the Tau'ri did not treat each other equally, nor was everyone innocent until proven guilty. His own brush with the law had shown him just how ingrained some prejudices ran when someone didn't fit the norm. Teal'c had watched the television, on which had the entire Tau'ri world transfixed. He didn't understand it at all. That people actually sat before an impersonal box, rather than spending time with family or friends, or even out of doors, confused him and seemed quite wasteful. Though, he did admit he rather enjoyed viewing movies, especially those involved with action and heroes striving for justice. And he couldn't understand why the people of Earth held those who acted on the shows and in movies in higher regard than their leaders, soldiers or caregivers.

Jaffa enjoyed entertainment, and appreciated those who provided it. They lived hard lives filled with battle, pain and choices no one should have to make. Anything that allowed them to forget this for some small amount of time was much appreciated. They did not however hold those who provided this in any higher esteem. Entertainers performed a service, nothing more. They were no better or worse than the healer, the weaponsmith or any other that provided service to others. Teal'c shook his head at the Tau'ri's strange ways. He did admire their spirit and bravery, though.

Daniel had never felt so insulted in his life. He knew that he tended to ramble on when caught up talking about historical details. It didn't mean that he only listened to his own voice. Pushing his glasses up on his nose, his hand immediately brushed through his longish hair. He tried to answer their question. But, he would start with one explanation and anther child would ask another question. His arms crossed over his chest in a protective manner. How did Sineya expect me to know how to relate to small children? Half the time I have to repeat my findings to my own team, and they each have at least an inkling about what I'm referring to.

Cameron's smile was blinding as he listened to the small boy's dissertation regarding his teammates. He thought it hilarious when he heard what the kids thought about Daniel's rambling. Oh, it wasn't that he didn't prize what the archeologist brought to his team, but he certainly liked to take the long way round when explaining things. Picturing a room full of little girls admiring Teal'c sewing techniques had him working hard to keep from laughing aloud. He had prime ribbing material for the next few months, and intended to work hard at getting at least one full-grown smile from the stoic Jaffa. The smile faded quickly when he heard what the teens thought about him. He, Cameron Mitchell, known for charming women old and young children alike his entire life and they thought he was, was creepy. His dark head shook as if the very motion might negate the words. Huh?

The team had gotten so lost in their own thoughts that they missed large parts of the meeting. It surprised most of them to watch one last person step forward, and started their report. Shat'tac abruptly turned back to face them. He motioned for them to exit the room. They had no choice but to file out like good little ducklings. They worked to keep their faces neutral when they realized he hadn't led them back to their room. They stopped in another area they weren't aware existed.

Everyone sent heated glances at Vala, who returned it with as innocent of a shrug as she could manage. She wasn't sure what they expected her to tell them. It wasn't as if she had bothered to wander about the entire pyramid. People came to her not the other way around. Sure, she knew the general layout; well at least she thought she did. It was obvious there were areas she never knew about, or some type of renovations had occurred since her time as Qetesh. Had any of them even bothered to thank her for bringing them here? Nooo, all they did was blame me when anything went wrong. The more she thought about it the madder she got. If not for her leading them here, they never would have known about Sineya, or her ability to defeat the Ori priests. Her chin shot out and her mouth set into a mulish frown.

They settled into the seats allotted them and waited. And, then they waited some more. Teal'c had his eyes closed as he rested; knowing Sineya had something special in mind for them. What he wasn't sure, but he saw no need to waste time and breathe speculating about it. Vala had her arms crossed, back straight and she purposely ignored the others. Daniel paced the floor throwing out theories with each turn about the room. Cameron seemed to enjoy shooting down each theory. His blue eyes sparkled with mischief as he watched the doctor strings wind tighter and tighter.

Buffy stood just out of sight watching them. They hadn't spent this much time together in close quarters or were used to getting better welcomes than what they had received from Dara Seans. It had her wondering even more so if she wanted to put her life or that of others in their hands. Her brow furrowed with worry as she felt her time to leave growing closer. Never one to shy away from trouble, she entered the room with a flourish of sheer black. Her predatory grace evident in every step as she went directly to the large empty chair across from her waiting audience.

"Please, do not speak. I have several things to say. You may have wondered why you were asked to participate in the tasks assigned to you over the last two days." She raised her hand when she saw the words about to burst from Daniel's mouth. "Everything will become clear momentarily. I have thought over your requests for help against the Ori."

"That's wonderful," Daniel exclaimed, jumping from his seat. "You won't regret your choice, Sineya. With your help we're sure to…"

"SILENCE!" Sineya's overlaid voice echoed throughout the room. "Have you learned nothing? Do others wishes not matter to you? Your arrogance is unappealing and gains you nothing with me. Now, sit, listen and hear my words."

Daniel crumpled into his seat when her voice rang out. He seemed frozen in shock by the words that followed. How had he suddenly become the bad guy?

Cameron started to try to smooth over the situation, when Teal'c reached out to stop him. He turned to say something to him but all he got was the negative shake of the other man's head. Pushing down his need to defend his team, Cameron buttoned his lip.

"Now, let us start again. Before I would even consider your request seriously, I needed to know more about those making it. Seeing you under conditions where you excelled, and then comparing them against those under which you were unfamiliar gave me this insight. Would you care to know what I found?" The question hung heavy in the air between them. "Your team has not worked together long, although you care for each greatly. That is an admirable trait." She watched them smile and preen under her compliment. It seemed rather mean to burst their bubble. Maybe not. If she planned to work with them in any capacity, they had to understand what price they would 'pay' for her help. "You may think you are noble spreading your beliefs among the stars, setting others free from their servitude. But, you are wrong. I can see my words shock you. Do you ever consider what happens to those worlds once you leave? Or, the beliefs you shatter by your actions? You can't simply plow into other people's lives turn them upside down then leave again. Yes, I believe people should know freedom, but you can't force it down their throats. Nor can you give them the taste of it, and not ensure it comes to fruition. You came here to Dara Seans based on very little information, and once here you made immediate assumptions about what you think you know about this planet, these people and me."

Buffy stood up and advanced toward them slowly. Stopping mere inches from them, and slowly turned around, providing them with their first full view of her, she saw when understanding dawned clearly in their minds. Her skin had no scars or the dreaded opening at the base of her neck. Returning to her seat, the smile she sent them spoke volumes.

"You heard what others thought of your teaching and care-giving capabilities. I'll tell you what I have seen and observed. Vala, the former host of Qetesh, your past both hinders and helps you. Use what you need while allowing the past to become, just that, the past. Should your teammates not realize the resource they have available through you, then it's up to you to figure out if you're working with the right people."

Buffy watched the effect her words had on Vala. The other woman sat up straighter in her seat and leveled an assessing look at her teammates.

"Teal'c as the former prime of Apophis, you should know how ingrained peoples' belief systems run." He bowed his head at her words. "You should caution your friends from entering other worlds without invitation. Daniel, the scholar, who holds knowledge in such high esteem; tell me, what do you think of knowledge stolen? Will it grow into wisdom? Should you have asked, perhaps Dara Seans' knowledge would have been yours for the taking. I would have back what you took from my library."

She watched him rise to his feet, withdraw some small instrument from his pants pocket and placed it in her outstretched hand. Buffy waited until he returned to his seat before she continued. Her green eyes caught the vibrant blue of SG-1's leader. His teeth flashed brightly in that smile, and she fought the urge to roll her eyes.

"Perhaps if you smiled less and listened more, you would become a better leader." Her eyebrow rose slightly. It was nowhere near as impressive as Teal'c's, but it had the desired affect. "Take this with you as you leave today. Perhaps, if you had come here simply to warn the people of Dara Seans about the Ori rather than looking for allies in your own battles, you would have succeeded at both. Honesty is the best policy. Shat'tac will see you to the Chappa'ai, while I think over everything that has happened here. You will know my answer in three days."

Buffy rose from her seat and left the room. She heard their shocked responses as she walked down the hall. The smile she wore would have had SG-1 even more confused has they seen it. Her eyes twinkled with mischief when she heard Cameron ask his team.

"What in the Sam Hell is wrong with smiling?"

Daniel paced his office, while Vala watched him from her chair. Her eyes followed his body as it strode down the aisle of books, reached the end and turned back again. He mumbled under his breath with each step he took.

"Is this helping? Sineya will contact us or she won't. Daniel, why are you acting this way? Though, it's rather comical to watch it won't change anything."

His stepped faltered at her words. Daniel had forgotten about Vala's presence while he went back over the events of Dara Seans. He still couldn't come to terms with everything that had happened.

"Do I really keep talking when others are trying to speak?" Vala tried to answer him as he spouted out another question. "Am I really that bad? SG-1 has helped every planet we could. We're only trying to help free people first from the Goa'uld and now the Ori. Why does that make us bad people? Who is she to…"

"Daniel," Vala shouted at him. He stopped mid-sentence to stare at her. "Do you want me to answer you, or are you talking to yourself?"

"What? Oh, uhm," he hesitated unsure of his own response. "Sure, tell me what you think."

Vala sent him a blinding smile. "Well, you do tend to talk and talk and talk whenever someone asks you a question. I find it cute most times, but for someone who doesn't know you it can be quite irritating. Everyone doesn't want to hear how this whatsit evolved from that whosit yada…yada…yada."

Daniel threw up his hand in surrender. "Okay, I get your point."

"But, I haven't even finished telling you about…"

"OFF WORLD ACTIVATION SG-1 TO THE GATE ROOM" came loud and clear across the PA. Vala and Daniel took off running toward the gate as the claxons sounded throughout the building. They arrived just minutes behind Teal'c and Cameron. The guards stood at the ready with their weapons drawn and ready. Everyone watched in trepidation as the Stargate powered up from an unknown source. Few people knew the dialing address, leaving Stargate Command with little choice but to assume their visitors weren't friendly.

Trepidation soon turned to wonder and confusion. The gate didn't stop dialing when the seventh chevron locked in place. It accepted an unprecedented eighth chevron. The chevrons changed from their normal reddish-orange to blue.

General Landry continued ordering Harriman to shutdown the iris. The gate operator's fingers danced across the keyboard, keying in commands to no avail. He shook his head as he continued to try to decipher what was happening on the floor below them.

The strangeness didn't stop there as the gate continued to accept the ninth and final chevron. Green replaced the blue, glowing like emeralds around the large grey circle. The familiar 'whoosh' echoed through the still room as its occupants waited to see who or what stepped through the event horizon. Arms tensed with fingers at the ready, primed to shoot.

Teal'c stood next to Cameron at the base of the gate ramp. He waited with his own staff weapon firmly in hand. Something warned him at the last possible minute, and he lowered his weapon. No one noticed as all eyes remained glued to the gate. Three people stepped through the gate. They stopped, immediately assessing the situation, and assumed defensive positions with weapons drawn.

"Is this the way you greet everyone, or am I just special?"

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Prophecy Goa'uld ~ 6