It had always been a routine mission, with routine discoveries for SG1. They had no intelligence that the Dajah were in the galaxy on Par 90-285. The Dajah were known as ruthless bounty hunters in the uncharted galaxies and were no threat to the Milky Way; yet. They traded and sold slaves to the highest bidders and never asked why or who was paying for whatever reason. They were always successful in finding what anyone asked for and never lost any cargo, unless it had to be disposed of at their whim. However their special cargo of beings, were sought out, more than any other in the entire galaxy, even the Ori and Wraith. There was a million Crenda on their heads, for any accurate intelligence that they existed. It was important that they were taken alive at all cost.
Daniel and Vala had been bickering all morning, while down on the planet Par 90-285. Mitchell had his hands full keeping them apart and Sam and Teal'c checked out the perimeter and the readings of possible Naquadah in the area.
"I swear Vala, why do I even try to explain to you that there is no profit to be made in this mission."
"I was hoping for a finder's fee. After all I'm the one that got the tip. You think this organization would be grateful for finding an ample supply to keep most of their Gou'ald technology going."
"Is that all you think about, just lining your pockets? Couldn't you just help us find the Naquadah, and that's if it exist on this planet."
"Finding Naquadah is easier than keeping it Daniel. A girl has to think about her future."
"You are a part of SG1; you don't have to worry about money or living quarters."
"Oh Daniel, you really know how to sweep a girl off her feet. How do I know I'll still be a part of SG1? You constantly keep telling me that I'm selfish and looking for a free ride. You guys don't even have a 401(K) plan or retirement option. You forget I'm not from this planet and a savings plan is not an option for me."
"Then why stay for God's sake. You're only in this because I gave you the opportunity to be here, or tricked me into finding ancient treasure."
"Hey; will you to keep it down." Exasperated Mitchell. "We don't know if there are hostiles on this planet and you two are making enough racket to wake anything dead or alive."
"I don't think Vala's tip that there's Naquadah on this planet is valid. We should go back." Stated Daniel.
"We have to check it out Jackson. Sam seems to believe that there is something here radiating a high power energy source and we still need to check it out. Sam do you have any stable reading to know which way to go?
"My readings show that the source is underground. We need to go south further in. If these reading are right, then we should follow up and see what we come up with."
"Teal'c lets head out. You take point and the rest of us will fall in behind Sam."
"As you wish Col Mitchell."
"Hey, let's hustle up back there Jackson. You too Vala." Mitchell motioned.
Both Daniel and Vala returned stares at each other and fell into step behind Sam and Mitchell.
Vala mumbled back to Daniel. "I'm not after treasure all the time. I do care what happens to me, if something happens to you guys."
"I think you have no ideal what it means to lose some something in you life Vala that doesn't have to do with money."
"Hey, I'm warning you two. Keep this up, and no Macaroons for the both of ya when we get back."
All looked back at Mitchell and gave him a look as if to thank him for warning them.
Sam was about to say something to Mitchell, when the ground gave out underneath them. Everything went black as they all fell several feet.
"Sir, the prisoners are secured. We retrieved several weapons and communication devices from all of them. The seem to be some type of soldiers except the woman. She is being dealt with now. It has been a long time, since we have encountered a Gou'ald."
"Make sure she suffers for awhile and see if her comrades know who she is. What about our cargo?"
"They stay away from the one they believe is dangerous. Yet they revere her for some reason. I have tried torturing her kind to see if what they say is true, but she remains silent. Strange, not even any reaction from that one. The rest stay in line at with a little forced encouragement."
"See that is stays that way. Watch her closely. She is worth an entire cargo, so keep her well. No one is to touch her or go near her unless under strict orders."
"What about the new prisoners Sir, and the Gou'ald?"
"Keep them in a cell, restrained. When I bring in the Gou'ald, I want to see their reaction; Go."
"As you command, Sir." The crewman bowed and returned to the underground holding area. Commander Kraco was the ships leader and commanded with a ruthless hand. He even spaced his cargo when one of his so called customers paid only half, once they found the cargo in rather bad shape. He took the money and killed the customer also; thus not loosing his fee for transporting his merchandise. He had a rather curious interest in SG1, not knowing who they were or cared less. But one particular member, he was most interested in and would see if she held any value for him or some interested buyer.
Teal'c was the first to come around. Followed by Mitchell, Sam and then finally Daniel. They were all restrained to the wall by some mechanized device. The first thing they noticed that Vala was not with them and they were stripped of all weapons and gear.
"Watch that first step guys. It was a doozy." Said Mitchell.
"Where are we and where's Vala?" Asked Sam.
"I don't know Sam, but someone definitely wants us to stay around for awhile."
"Col Mitchell, I do believe when we fell, it was a trap of some kind. I noticed the ground opened up as we fell, rather than the ground being unstable."
Daniel looked around and noticed moans coming from a long tunnel like entrance. He heard other noises, but could not place what or where they were coming from.
"I knew this would happen. One of Vala's tips, yeah, I bet they're laughing right now at us. The great SG1 being captured like pigs. Wait till I get my hands on her."
Sam interrupted. "We don't know that Daniel. Maybe she didn't fall thru or they have her somewhere else. We don't even know what they want or who they are."
"She's right Jackson." Said Mitchell. "let's see how long they keep us hanging here and found out what happened to Vala or what they want from us. Keep your bad thoughts to yourself."
"Indeed Daniel Jackson. Vala may be in danger and we are unable to assist her or she may be trying to get help."
"Alright, alright. But I say, we should have never come here. I'll keep an open mind."
As Daniel finished up, all of them heard several footsteps. It sounded like several soldiers. One man came in, who looked as if he was in charge. He looked around briefly at SG1 and then moved so the other crew could enter. They were dragging someone in there arms. They looked unconscious and seem to look beaten. When they dropped the person on the floor, they left immediately. The first man to enter turned around and sneered and then he too left. When SG1 looked close, they realized it was Vala. She didn't move where she layed. Her face was in the dirt floor sideways and there was blood and bruises all over her body. They had stripped her of her uniform and only left her in black T- Shirt and undergarment, which looked familiar to Daniel. Sam was the first to try and wake Vala.
"Vala………Vala, come on, wake up. Come on Vala, please wake up."
Mitchell tried also. Hey Princess, I was only kidding about the macaroons." Mitchell trying humor to get her to move. It was useless. Vala had not moved from her spot, where they dropped her. Teal'c was containing his inner anger. His face was hard as stone looking upon his teammate and friend. He knew Vala was a survivor, but not being able to assist Vala or see is she was dead or alive made him angrier.
Daniel said nothing. Even after awhile, his friends caught on too. He was the most quite of all.
A/N: Please I would love feedback on this one. It's been in my muses head for over a year. So I finally posted this one. Feedback and reviews are welcomed.