And now - on to the adventure!

By the time Jack left the orphanage he was feeling tired and rather melancholy. It had been a fun day, helping the Sisters put everything away, but he knew his time here was about to come to an end. This vacation had been the best thing he'd done in years, he thought to himself. Although he wouldn't admit it, it had also been extremely healing for him. Somehow, being around the children and knowing he was making a positive difference in their lives, even if for a short time, let him forget all the bad he'd experienced and focus on the good.

Oh, he knew that what he did at the SGC made a difference– a real difference to the people on this planet. But somehow, it was different. Usually he had crap to deal with and then he didn't actually see anything come from what he did. He knew he helped keep people safe but hell, they didn't even know the difference. No, here with the Sisters and the kids he knew and he felt their love and appreciation.

His thoughts then turned to the two little souls that had captured his heart; Carlito and Amanda. He loved all the kids – they were sweet – but there was something about those two that really caught at his heart. Maybe it was because Carlito reminded him of Charlie or maybe it was because they'd lost so much already. Whatever it was, he knew that saying goodbye was going to be hard.

He decided that as soon as he got back home he was going to see what he could do about finding them a family. Hell, not just them, maybe he could help the other kids as well. He was always hearing about how hard it was to adopt and how many families were looking for kids. Who knows, maybe he could pull a few strings and do something to find families for them all.

Although that made him feel a bit better he was still feeling down by the time he met Daniel for supper. He hardly spoke at all as they enjoyed one of their last nights of great Mexican food and beer.

"So, we discovered a nest of Goa'uld at the dig today. They told us they were planning on world domination."

"That's nice", Jack replied.

"Yeah, and Teal'c called. Said he'd decided to become a used car salesman. Thought he could make a fortune."

"Mmmm."

"Sam ran off with a Saudi oil sheik and she was naked."

"Sounds good."

"Jack?"

Daniel didn't say anything until Jack finally looked up. "Sorry Daniel, what did you say?"

"I was just wondering what's up. You're looking rather – distracted."

"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to be. Just tired I guess."

"Okay. You sure everything's all right?"

"Yeah, fine." He could see Jack trying to pull himself out of whatever mood he was in. "Yeah, it's been a great vacation. I guess I'm just sorry to be leaving and going back to the cold, bleak winter."

"Mmm hmm. You're probably feeling bad about leaving the kids too, I suppose."

Jack looked up in shock. "What? How did you -?"

"Walter. He called asking if I wanted to donate to 'the General's orphans'. I was a teeny bit surprised since the General hadn't said anything to me but I assured him I would contribute. Then I spoke with Marco, here at the hotel, and he told me what you were up to. I guess his cousin, Manolo Rivera does some work for the Sisters. He was quite excited about the 'Americano' who came and did so much for the little orphans." He grinned at Jack, who was looking extremely uncomfortable.

"Yeah, well, I kind of stumbled on them one day and offered to help. They had practically nothing and so -"

"And so you did the 'Jack O'Neill' thing and looked after them."

"Hey, you would have done the same. Daniel Jackson is pretty famous on hundreds of planets and two galaxies for trying to 'help' people – or aliens I guess."

"Okay, okay. Look, I'm not giving you a hard time. I think it's great what you did. I just hope you enjoyed yourself and were able to relax."

Jack looked over at his friend and finally grinned. "Yeah Danny – I had a great time. Best vacation I've had in years. You should see those kids, they're something pretty special."

"And I heard the nuns took good care of you too."

Jack laughed. "Oh yeah, especially Sister Marta. She makes a mean Sangria and her cakes are to die for!"

"So, why were you looking so pensive?"

"Oh, you know – just 'end of holiday blues' I guess."

"Mmm hmm", Daniel answered, looking knowingly at his friend. From what he'd heard from Marco, Jack had grown quite attached to a little boy and his sister. He figured Jack was going to really miss the kids. "Are you going there tomorrow?"

"Yeah, it'll be my last day. The Sisters want me to meet their local Priest – a Father Shannon. I guess he's something of a hero around here. I can't say as I'm all that anxious to meet him but I'll have a chance to see the kids once more before I go."

"Okay. I'm finishing everything up at the dig tomorrow and we can meet back here for supper. We don't have to be at the airport until 11:00 the day after tomorrow so we won't have to get up too early."

Jack headed out to the orphanage at the crack of dawn the next morning, knowing the Sisters rose early. He wanted to ask them for a special favor so he could spend some more time with Carlito before the Priest showed up and he had to act the adult. He couldn't believe how nervous he felt about meeting this guy. Remnants of a guilty childhood he supposed.

He was given the 'go ahead' by Sister Rosario and so, to the delighted shrieks of some of the older boys including Carlito, his buddies Miguel, Arturo and Jose, he told them they were 'going fishing'. He'd brought enough poles for everyone and, although they were basic, he hoped they'd each get a chance to catch a fish. He'd asked around and had found the perfect fishing spot.

As they went to leave he could hear the sniffles of little Amanda. He turned around to see the tiny girl with big tears welling in her eyes and dropping to her dimpled cheeks. When her chin began to quiver he knew he was lost. Looking over at Sister Rosario he simply raised his eyebrows. After received a frown from her she finally nodded. With a grin he walked over and picked the little girl up.

"So, you want to come fishing?" he asked. She sniffed again and nodded. "Okay then, but you'll have to stick close to me, okay?"

She smiled, nodded and buried her face in his neck. With a grin he thanked the Sister and then turned and headed out with his small troop of adventurers.

They had a great morning and all caught a number of small fish. He was quickly delegated as the one to take the fish off the hooks and throw them back in. The boys quickly got the hang of putting the worms on the hooks although he watched them carefully so they wouldn't hurt themselves. Amanda was thrilled when she caught her own fish and the boys made a big deal about it for her sake. Of course she would have nothing to do with the 'yucky' worms and squealed when the fish flopped around after she had reeled it in.

All in all, it was a perfect morning. They stopped midway through and all had a snack that Sister Marta had packed for them. Jack had brought a few special 'treats' as well. Finally, it was time to head back. He'd promised the Sisters he'd return the children in time to eat lunch and take a siesta. By that time too, they figured that Father Shannon would have arrived.

As they walked back to the orphanage, Amanda perched on his shoulders, the boys taught Jack some silly Spanish songs. They laughed as he attempted to make various animal sounds for their version of 'Old McDonald'. It turns out that animals spoke differently in Spanish than in English.

As they approached the orphanage Jack was slightly surprised not to see anyone around. He glanced at his watch and was relieved to see they'd arrived before lunch. Usually the children were still outside at this time and Sister Maria Imaculata would be tending her small garden.

As they grew nearer, the hairs on the back of his neck started to stand up. He was sure something was wrong – he had often gotten this feeling when on missions in the past. What it could be, however, he didn't know. He was pretty sure there were no Goa'uld or Ori about!

The kids had stopped chattering, as if they felt something was wrong as well. Amanda was clutching his hair, so hard that his eyes began to water. He could tell she was frightened.

"Okay kids", he said softly, "let's stop for a minute. Be as quiet as you can." The boys all stopped and looked up at him, fear in their eyes.

"What's wrong Señor?", whispered Arturo.

"I'm sure everything is fine. The Sisters are probably inside serving lunch. But let's just take a look, okay." He carefully set Amanda down and gave her a smile and a quick hug. "It's alright Amanda. You stay with Carlito and I'm going to go talk to Sister Rosario." Telling the boys to stay put and watch the little girl, he headed out slowly to the compound.

As he grew nearer he became even more certain that something was wrong. He suddenly heard a noise, coming from the dining hall. It had sounded like whimpers from some of the children. Uncertain what to do – he wasn't armed – he walked slowly up to the building but kept away from the door. He thought if he could peak into one of the windows maybe he could see what was going on.

He looked around quickly, but still couldn't see anything. Carefully sidling up to the nearest window, he leaned forward and looked around the edge. He could see all of the children on the floor with two of the Sisters. They looked terrified, and some of the younger ones were crying. He turned his head slightly and saw two boots, obviously men's, although he couldn't see the rest of the body. Deciding to head back to where he'd left the boys and Amanda he turned as quietly as he could. The next thing he knew something hit him on the head. The pain spiked and the earth spun. His last thought, as he went down, was of the children.

"Wake up Padre." He felt hands slapping his face, which caused his head to feel as if it were about to explode. He hoped his skull hadn't been cracked, although right now he figured it was a distinct possibility. "Come on Padre, wake up before we throw you in the river."

That forced him to open his eyes. The last thing he wanted right now was to go for a swim. It took him a moment to focus and even then things were blurry. He looked up into a very scruffy, bearded face. The man was missing some teeth on one side of his face and looked like he hadn't bathed in a while. His breath also stank.

It was then that he noticed that his ankles and wrists were tied tightly. He had no idea what was going on but figured he was to find out soon. He glanced around quickly, and was relieved to see Sister Rosario, looking angry but unhurt. He couldn't see the kids and just prayed that every one was all right.

"Who" - he had to clear his throat as the word came out as a croak. "Who are you and what do you want?" he asked old trout breath.

The man didn't answer but turned and spoke rapidly to someone beyond Jack's field of vision. Another man walked up and looked down at the bound man. He looked better than the first guy – cleaner and definitelybetter dressed. In fact, he was quite stylish in a dark, Latin kind of way.

"So, you are awake Padre", the new guy said softly. "That is good because we are ready to go."

"Go?" Jack asked. "Go where?"

"You need not concern yourself with that. I suggest you pray to your God, however. You are going to need the help."

What the hell was the man saying – and why did they continue to call him 'Padre'? He opened his mouth to correct them when Sister Rosario began to speak.

"Why do you want to take Padre Chanan with you?" she asked. She glanced over at Jack and seemed to be trying to convey something to him. "He is a Priest, a man of God. He will not hurt you and the Church will not pay ransom for him."

The man laughed. "I do not care what the Church does. It is the government that will pay ransom, but not in money." He stopped talking. "Paco, load him into the truck. Grab one of the Sisters and a couple of the kids. We'll take them along as insurance."

"No – you don't need to take any of the kids. Just leave them here. They'll be too much trouble and you don't need that", Jack said carefully. He couldn't figure out what was going on but Sister Rosario obviously wanted him to pretend to be the Priest. He'd go along with it for now although his main worry was the children.

The well-dressed man laughed again and placed his foot on Jack's chest and pushed. "That is kind of you Padre, to worry about us but you don't need to. We will be just fine. You see, the children's safety and well being will depend on you. If you cooperate they will be fine. If you try and escape well – I'm afraid they will suffer." Jack was finding it difficult to breath as the man continued to press down with his foot. Finally, he turned and spoke sharply to someone outside, at the same time removing the foot. A couple of minutes later two men came and hauled Jack upright.

He couldn't help the small groan that escaped although he quickly bit his lip. His head was pounding and the men hadn't even made an attempt to be careful. He was dragged outside to what looked like an old army vehicle and was roughly thrown in back. A few minutes later and Carlito, Amanda and Miguel were herded in, along with Sister Rosario. Shortly afterward the truck took off, followed by another vehicle.

"What about the others?" Jack asked softly.

"They are alright. The banditos left them locked in a room but they should be able to escape. If not, someone will come tonight when you do not return to your hotel."

Jack nodded and then wished he hadn't as his stomach protested. He felt like he was going to throw up, which he knew would not be pleasant in the back of the sweltering truck. After a minute the nausea died down and he turned to the Sister. "Do you think you can help me with these ropes?" He held up his arms.

"Oh, I am sorry." She scooted over and began trying to untie the ropes. It was slow going as they were tight and thin. It was almost 20 minutes before she got them off and by that time her fingers were rubbed raw. The children had all pulled themselves over and sat huddled up as close to Jack as possible. Amanda was in tears and both Carlito and Miguel looked like they wanted to cry.

As the little nun worked, Jack tried to find out what was going on and why he was pretending to be a Priest.

"I told you", she said, "Father Chanan has spoken out against the drug lords and has caused them much trouble. The man who has kidnapped us – the one who spoke to you – his name is Antonio Calderas and he is one of the biggest drug lords in the territory. Up until Father Chanan, he pretty much did as he pleased. Now, the authorities are standing up to him, as are many of the people. His brother, Simón was captured a couple of months ago by the Federales and he is in prison for life. He murdered five men from a rival gang. I suspect that Antonio plans to bargain for his brother's freedom with your life."

"But why did you want me to pretend to be Father Shannon? Wouldn't it have been better to tell them who I really am?"

"No!" she answered sharply. "The reason you are still alive is because they think you are the Father. Antonio has not seen Father Chanan, although his brother would recognize him. I told you, you remind me of him – and not just in personality. The Father is tall like you with grey hair." She stopped a moment and looked at him. "If there is anything the Calderas hate, it is Americanos. We know they have killed some tourists and he would have loved nothing better than to have slit your throat if he knew you weren't Father. As it is, we have some time to try and get out of this with you alive." She sat considering for a moment. "You are Catholic, right?" she suddenly asked.

"Yes – at least I was raised Catholic. I don't really practice any religion now."

"No, but you remember your catechism?"

"Yeah, I guess so." It had been drilled into him as a youngster and he was pretty sure he still had it in there somewhere.

"Good, you must continue to act as a Priest and speak like one. I will explain to the children what they must do as well." They both looked down at the three children who were now sleeping, their heads resting on Jack's legs.

"You'd have them lie?" he asked the Sister.

"God understands the need", she replied simply. "It is to save a life – that is a valid reason to tell untruths."

Jack nodded and leaned back to close his eyes. How the hell had this happened, he wondered? The good news was Daniel was here and would soon find out and would inform the powers that be. Hopefully, someone would soon come to their rescue.

He spoke quietly to Sister Rosario, asking her to give him any details she could on the men who had captured them. It turns out their were five of them, including Calderas. According to her, they were all rough, dangerous men – although Antonio was the worst.

"Don't let his manner fool you", she told Jack. "He is a snake and is vicious. He is responsible for many deaths and I have heard he enjoys torturing his victims." She looked with worry at the man lying pale and hurt beside her. He was a simple man who owned a fishing store – how could he hope to stay alive?

"Don't worry Sister", Jack answered slowly. "I've had lots of experience with snakes!"