Halama came rushing into the main hall shortly after Annabel and Paul entered.
"The children are all present and accounted for."
Jack rounded on him. "Well we are not. It took one of my team. Now if you know something you are not telling me then now would be a damn good time to fess up!"
"I do not know why it has taken one of your people. Since you left us we have had no occurrences… no visitors have ever been harmed before."
Annabel watched Halama closely during the conversation, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Martouf and Daniel.
"One of my people is missing. Now I don't care how long it takes or what we have to do. I don't leave people behind. Do you understand me!?"
Halama bowed and quickly disappeared.
"What happened?"
Jack rounded on Annabel. "Does it matter what happened? Carter is missing!"
"I realise that but the smallest detail may have some significance."
"Jack… she may be able to help." Daniel looked at Annabel. "I know you don't believe in her abilities but she warned us. She knew it was coming! Now with everything you have learnt over the past eight years… I mean you've seen me die and ascend and come back again… for Christ's sake Jack, don't be so closed minded!"
"Daniel… now is not a good time to be questioning my judgement."
"Oh really… so when would be a good time. We both want the same thing Jack. We both want Sam back unharmed."
Jacob and Teal'c walked back into the room after having left shortly after Sam's disappearance to check and see if everyone else was unharmed.
"No one else was taken O'Neill."
"What I don't get is why Sammie?"
Paul shrugged. "Halama did seem surprised that she had such extensive knowledge of science and the Stargate. He even commented that it was unusual for a female to hold such standing. He seems to be of the mindset that woman have no place in that kind of role."
"A little archaic don't you think?" Everyone turned to look at Annabel. "What? Did no one else notice that the woman of this culture will not speak unless they are given permission? That the children who have so far gone missing are those of 'free speaking' mothers? Do you not realise that is how the witch trials started within America?"
"Oh right… so it all comes down to you does it?"
Daniel sighed. "Jack – this isn't about Annabel. And she is right. The name 'witch' was allocated to many free thinking woman in the past that refused to tow the line and follow the men's direction. I think the point she is trying to make is that Halama would have something to gain in eliminating such thinkers in his settlement."
"Colonel O'Neill. I realise that you don't believe half of the words that leave my mouth but at the end of the day, one of your team is missing. Now we can stand here and argue about history and the labels that were given while we get picked off one by one, or we can agree to look at the facts and come to a reasonable conclusion. It's your choice."
"Do you believe that we will indeed be 'picked off one by one' as you put it Annabel Watson?" Teal'c looked at her closely.
"If my theory is correct then yes Teal'c I do."
"And just what is your theory Ms Watson?"
Annabel sighed. "I believe that we have been brought here under false pretences. Halama knows a lot more than he is letting on. Firstly – he can see aura's which means he CAN see spirits. Secondly – I don't believe that these disappearances are random events. I think they are linked to certain people's actions. Thirdly – I have a suspicion that Halama or someone around here is actually controlling it. Now I don't expect you to believe me because let's face it, you've disregarded everything I have suggested already but cast your mind back to our little tour today. Daniel and I expressed an interest in the ruined church and Halama straight away jumped on the defensive and told us that it wasn't safe to go into and that it was out of bounds to everyone in the settlement."
"And that is relevant how?"
"Jack there were fresh footprints leading into that church. When I asked Halama about it he said I must have been mistaken as no one is allowed within the ruins. He then swiftly changed the subject. Jack I know what I saw."
"Look I'm not saying that I am definitely right, all I am saying is consider the possibility and let me do some ground work to support my theory."
"Fine but you are not going digging around for information on your own. Davis… do not let her out of your sight. I'm reassigning your sleeping quarters… you sleep in the same room, eat in the same room and you stay in constant radio contact… do I make myself clear!?"
"Yes sir." Paul frowned at Jack and looked at Annabel who just rolled her eyes and made her way out of the room.
"Well don't just stand there…. FOLLOW HER!!"
