M9, T4: Back at Stargate Command and freed from the bracelets that bound them together Daniel and Vala bid each other a not-so-fond farewell and return to their respective lives. But they haven't been apart for more than an hour before Daniel collapses and Vala reappears through the 'gate also dangerously weak. Although the bracelets are gone their effect remains perhaps because the Ancient communications device augmented their power. Whatever the reason Daniel and Vala will die if they are separated. Until they can find a way to break the link their lives are still bound together. When Vala admits that Arlos Kadavam the scientist from whom she stole the bracelets might know the answer a highly motivated Daniel insists that they visit the man immediately. With Mitchell he and Vala head through the stargate to Arlos's laboratory. After some negotiation - during which Daniel and Mitchell learn more about Arlos and Vala's love life than they ever wanted to know - Arlos agrees to help on one condition: Vala must return the heirloom necklace she also stole from him. Unfortunately Vala already sold that necklace to an unscrupulous Jaffa trader named Inago. And before Inago will sell it back he wants the power coil he sold to her - but she's already disposed of that on yet another planet. Daniel and Mitchell are in for a very long day. They follow the trail of Vala's ill-gotten gains to a cargo ship that is now in the hands of the Lucian Alliance a dangerous gang of smugglers and mercenaries. Bottom line: If Daniel and Vala want the link broken they'll have to steal back the cargo ship. Gen. Landry however refuses to authorize this final step in their scavenger hunt. It's too risky and besides Stargate Command's budget is up for review in Washington and he needs Daniel to testify at the hearing. Grudgingly Daniel travels to Washington for the hearing with Vala sworn to silence at his side. Even with his articulate contribution however Sen. Fisher the appropriations committee chairman remains determined to impose drastic budget cuts. When Vala chimes in with some helpful comments about the chairman's anatomical shortcomings Stargate Command's budgetary fate is sealed and Gen. Landry is suddenly more than willing to approve a potentially profitable mission against the Lucian Alliance. Daniel Mitchell Teal'c and Vala will risk everything -- but at this point no danger seems too great if it removes Vala from all their lives for good.