Chapter 27Smoke and Mirrors

Not too long after the last mission that the team had gone on without Rebecca, SG1 was given downtime. Jack decided to go to the cabin and was disappointed when Rebecca opted to go to the symphony with Paul. Well, that was what she told her father anyway. What they actually did was to continue to get to know each other a lot better in the privacy of Paul's bedroom. Both Rebecca and Jack returned home the night before they had to go back to work. When they both walked in wearing their civilian clothes, the rest of SG1 was watching the news. "Hey!" Jack said. Sam hit the mute button on the television. "We're back. What'd we miss?"

"Sir, Senator Kinsey is dead. He was shot." Sam answered.

"What?" Jack asked after a stunned silence. He turned to Rebecca. "Major Davis didn't say anything to you about it?"

"No." Rebecca replied. "We went out a couple of times and then at the end of the week he said there was an emergency that needed his immediate attention … he was really quiet after that so I didn't push. When he was home, we listened to music or watched movies … he was almost adamant that we not watch television."

"It's been all over the news for three days." Jonas said, eying Rebecca suspiciously.

"I've been on vacation." Jack replied.

"It looks like it was a professional hit." Sam explained. "The shooter took him out from a hotel room across the street and then just disappeared."

"Any suspects?" Rebecca asked. She ran her hands over her face as the realization finally hit her.

"Police aren't saying anything." Sam replied, shaking her head.

"Oh God…" Rebecca murmured under her breath. One hand was on her hip and the other covered her mouth.

"It is reasonable to assume that a man in Senator Kinsey's position would have a great many enemies." Teal'c said.

"Colonel?" Hammond came forward.

"General…" Jack started.

"I'm sorry to have to do this but these men are here to escort you to Peterson. From there you'll be flown to Andrews and then turned over to the civilian authorities in Washington." Hammond replied.

"Sir, what is this?" Rebecca asked in a shaky voice as she went over to stand next to her father.

"Colonel O'Neill is under arrest for the murder of Senator Kinsey." Hammond answered.

"What?" Jack asked.

"You'll have to come with us, Sir." An SF said coming forward.

"I don't think so." Jack protested.

"Colonel…" Hammond intervened.

"General, I've been on vacation." Jack protested.

"I believe you, Jack, but for the moment, we're going to have to cooperate." Hammond replied. The SFs came forward to handcuff Jack.

"No." Rebecca protested, stepping in between them.

"Teal'c…" Hammond said softly and nodded at Rebecca.

The Jaffa came forward reluctantly and restrained Rebecca while the SFs handcuffed Jack and escorted him out. "Daddy! No!" Rebecca cried.

"If you continue to fight Lieutenant Jackson we will arrest you as well." A SF intoned.

"That is not necessary." Hammond intervened.

"Daddy!" Rebecca yelled. She tried to wrestle herself out of Teal'c's grip while Sam and Jonas watched her with sympathy.

"It will be alright Rebecca Jackson." Teal'c soothed, holding onto her tightly.

"Teal'c's right." Hammond said coming forward as Rebecca stopped fighting and leaned against the Jaffa for support. They headed to the briefing room after Rebecca calmed down. She was walking with Hammond while Sam, Teal'c and Jonas followed.

"There's no way Daddy could have done this." Rebecca argued quietly.

"I'm aware of that, Lieutenant, but my hands are tied." Hammond replied.

"How could they possibly think that he's responsible?" Jonas asked. "He wasn't even in Washington."

"Actually…it looks like he was." Paul said from where he was sitting at the briefing table. He nodded at Rebecca as she shakily sat next to him.

"Major Davis is acting as liaison between the Pentagon and the District Attorney." Hammond explained. "He has a report for us. Major?"

Paul waited for everyone to take their seats. "Thank you, sir. This was taken from a security camera in a hotel across the street from where the shooting occurred, just a couple of minutes after it happened." He paused the video on a shot of Jack. "Now, the trajectory of the bullet indicates that the shot did, in fact, come from this hotel."

"That doesn't prove anything." Rebecca protested.

"No, but based on this evidence, the FBI attained search warrants to search both the Colonel's house and his cabin." Paul said.

"They searched my house?" Rebecca questioned.

"They didn't find anything," Paul tried to placate his angry lover, "but one of the neighbors told them that they saw Colonel O'Neill dumping something down by the lake. They sent down a diver who…came up with this." He opened a folder and showed them photos of a rifle. "Ballistics match it with the bullet that killed Senator Kinsey. Well, I don't know what else to say, sir. It's certainly no secret that there was bad blood between them."

"Oh, come on…they had a few run-ins." Rebecca protested. "That's hardly a motive for murder."

"Okay, I've read the file on Kinsey, but it is a little vague." Jonas started.

"The Senator was involved with a group of individuals who were unhappy with the way Stargate Command was being run." Hammond began.

"They tried to blackmail General Hammond into resigning." Sam explained. "Colonel O'Neill and Lieutenant Jackson found evidence connecting Kinsey to their illegal activities and threatened to go public with it unless he got them to back off."

"So, technically, Kinsey was protecting the SGC." Jonas said, confused.

"True, but I don't think he was very happy about it." Sam said with a nod.

"Still, that's not a motive to kill the guy, that's a motive to keep him alive." Jonas protested.

"Unfortunately, we can divulge none of this information to the civilian authorities." Teal'c protested.

"They're not going to look at that." Rebecca said softly, covering her face with her hands.

"Lieutenant?" Hammond questioned.

"They're going to look at the common factor." Rebecca replied, rubbing her temple.

"And what would that be?" Paul asked.

"Me." Rebecca replied. "If Daddy was going to commit murder for anyone it would be for me, and Kinsey's certainly given him reason enough."

"Why is that?" Jonas asked.

Rebecca shared a look with her lover, Hammond and the original members of SG1. "Kinsey is…was my step-father. He killed my mother and the better part of my life I was used as a punching bag. Right before my mother died she willingly severed her parental rights to me and gave me to Daddy to protect me. Dad knew what I went through but it wasn't until I joined the program that he found out who my step-father was. Anyone who digs into Dad and Kinsey's relationship will find that out. Add that to the fact that Dad and Kinsey never got along even before he found out who Kinsey was that's still pretty damning evidence against Dad. If we could move it to a military court Daddy might have half of a chance because of his record."

"Senator Kinsey was shot in broad daylight on a public street in front of a dozen civilian witnesses. If we tried to shift this to a military court, it would be a political disaster for the current administration." Hammond said, giving the girl a sympathetic look.

"With all due respect, sir, the current administration owes a lot to my father." Rebecca interrupted bitterly.

"I'm aware of that, Lieutenant, as is the President." Hammond replied. "Unfortunately, there's nothing he can do for Colonel O'Neill at this time. On the other hand, I'm not a politician. Which is why I'm suspending SG1's off-world duties and assigning the four of you to get to the bottom of this. You have the full resources of this command at your disposal."

"Thank you, Sir." Rebecca replied.

"Lieutenant Jackson, I would like for you to return to DC with Major Davis and help him follow up on any leads from that end." Hammond said. "Dismissed."

"You okay?" Paul asked, squeezing Rebecca's hand.

"No." She replied, her eyes never leaving the image of her father on the presentation screen. "I need to get some things from the house and then we can head to Peterson."

"Lieutenant Jackson." A SF said approaching her. There were two more behind him. "Ma'am, we need to take you in for questioning." He pulled out the cuffs as he approached Rebecca.

"What?" Rebecca asked standing. Paul also stood, as did the rest of SG1 and Hammond.

"I'm sorry." The SF said, going behind her. "Sir, please step away." He addressed Paul.

"I'll take care of this." Paul murmured before stepping away.

"Lieutenant Rebecca Jackson … you are under arrest for conspiracy to murder a United States senator." The SF said haltingly as he handcuffed the woman.

"What?" Rebecca yelled, turning to face the young man.

"Lieutenant." The SF barked, placing his hands on her arms to prevent her from turning.

"You said you were taking her in for questioning." Hammond protested.

"I was in DC …" Rebecca protested. "I wasn't anywhere near the cabin or the house this week."

"She's telling the truth." Paul tried to intervene.

"You can vouch for this?" The SF asked as all attention turned on Paul.

"Yes … she stayed at my house." Paul replied.

"Sir … is there any length of time during or immediately after the shooting that you can not account for the Lieutenant's whereabouts?" The SF questioned.

Paul looked at Rebecca. "I was called to the Pentagon immediately after the shooting took place. She wasn't there when I got home … she had gone for a jog. But she knew nothing about the shooting. I didn't even tell her why I got recalled."

The SF nodded. "How long were you gone?"

Paul bowed his head. "Approximately four hours." He shook his head. "I'm sorry Becca …"

"Paul!" Rebecca called while she was being hustled out by the SFs. "Look at me, Paul!" She fought the SFs holding her. Paul looked up. "You know me. You know I couldn't do this. Despite everything … I wouldn't…" Paul nodded. He watched her get dragged out and then sank into his seat, his face in his hands.

"You did what you could son." Hammond said softly.

"I might as well have slapped the cuffs onto her myself." Paul murmured.

"Major Davis, prepare to leave the mountain and head to the holding cells at Peterson. One of the lawyers from the legal department is already there. Co-ordinate with him on Lieutenant Jackson's release. Then as soon as you are able, I want you to take her to DC and figure this out. I want to know a way to clear both of my officers."

"Yes sir." Paul replied.

Peterson. "I'm telling you I don't know anything." Rebecca shot back.

"Gentlemen." The SGC lawyer entered with Paul right behind him. "Do you have any evidence that places my witness at the scene? Are her fingerprints on the weapon? Was she spotted at the cabin? Was she spotted at the hotel? Was she spotted anywhere with or near her father at all during that whole week?"

"No sir." The officer answered.

"Well then I must ask that you release her. Or if you have any more questions ask her in front of me." The lawyer replied. The officer shook his head and moved around to uncuff Rebecca.

"Thank you." She said sarcastically, rubbing her wrists.

"Lieutenant Jackson and I are expected in DC to confer with the DA." Paul said, coming forward.

"I'm afraid I can't permit that sir." The officer replied. "Someone will have to vouch for her."

"Release her into my custody then." Paul answered without hesitation. "You can post an officer outside my house if you want…I don't care."

The officer stared at Paul for a moment. "If she disappears you do realize that you will be hauled into prison right along with her?"

"I understand that and I'll take the chance." Paul replied.

"Let's get the paperwork started." The lawyer said, leading the officer away.

"I want to see my father before we leave." Rebecca said quickly. The officer nodded and soon Jack was joining Rebecca and Paul. "Daddy … are you alright?"

"Yes." Jack said. He started to take Rebecca's hand but then noticed the guard glaring at him. "I'm sorry that you got dragged into this."

"I don't care about that." Rebecca said softly. "I'm being released into Major Davis' custody and we're going back to DC … we'll figure this out."

"Davis, you take care of my daughter." Jack replied.

"I will sir." Paul answered.

"I love you. We'll get you out." Rebecca said softly.

"I love you too." Jack replied. He smiled at his daughter before she and Paul exited. Paul signed the appropriate paperwork and then they were in the General's car and headed towards Colorado Springs.

"I figured you would need to pack some clothes." Paul said after a moment.

"Thank you." Rebecca murmured. She reached over and took his hand, giving it a quick squeeze. "For everything."

"Your welcome." Paul replied. "Wait for us out here." He instructed the driver when they arrived at Jack and Rebecca's house. They went up to the porch and Rebecca unlocked the door and Paul followed her inside.

"I'll be right back." She said, disappearing into the back of the house.

Paul looked around the living room. The mantel was now cluttered with both Jack and Rebecca's military awards. There were several pictures of the father and daughter along with one of a boy who Paul realized must have been Charlie. He was drawn to the picture towards the middle. It was one of Rebecca and Daniel. "I never looked at these the last time I was here. You look happy." He said when he heard someone come up to him.

Rebecca took the picture. "That was from my birthday party…it was the night Daniel proposed." She bit her lip. "I'm ready to go."

"Then let's go." Paul picked up her duffel bag and then led her out. He handed her bag off to the driver while Rebecca secured the house. The two of them got into the car and the Sergeant headed back towards Peterson.

Paul let them into his condo later on that night. "I'll take your stuff upstairs." He said, doing so.

Rebecca followed him. "I'm going to take a shower." She kissed him and then went into the bathroom. Ten minutes later, she jogged downstairs fresh from her shower and wearing a pair of sweats and a tank top. Paul was in the living room, sipping a glass of wine and looking at some papers. "Whatcha doing?" She asked, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing his cheek.

"Looking over the reports from the DA." Paul answered. He tilted his head back and kissed her. "Want some wine?"

"Love some." Rebecca replied. She went around and picked up the discarded report as Paul headed into the kitchen.

"Here." Paul said, coming back and handing her the glass.

"Thanks." Rebecca replied, taking a sip. Paul picked up another report and they sat in silence as they read.

Five minutes later, Rebecca threw the report on the coffee table in frustration and drained her wine glass in one gulp. "What?" Paul asked, looking up.

"Something doesn't make sense." She said standing.

"About what?" Paul asked, leaning forward. He watched Rebecca pace.

"I know my dad, Paul. If he was planning on doing something to Kinsey then he would have told me."

"Are you sure about that?"

"The only person who hates Kinsey more than him is me. I had to live through years of abuse. Daddy just heard about it."

"Maybe he was trying to protect you." Paul said reasonably. "Is that what's been bugging you?"

"No…" She bit her lip. "I don't know what's bugging me." She looked at Paul and then went over to him.

"We don't have to do this Becca." Paul said softly as she tossed the report on the coffee table and then straddled his lap.

"I need this." Rebecca replied, she cupped his cheeks and kissed him passionately. Her hands found the hem of the Air Force Academy t-shirt that Paul was wearing and she pulled it off over his head before resuming their kiss.

Paul's hands combed through her hair as he pulled out the pins that held it in the bun. He dropped them on the coffee table and then eased Rebecca down onto the floor with him on top. They stripped each other quickly and made love on the floor of the living room. When they both reached completion, Paul cradled his crying lover in his arms. "It's alright baby. I'm here, we'll figure this out." He said, kissing her softly.

A couple hours later, Paul woke up alone in his bed. He reached over and grabbed a pair of boxers, quickly pulling them on and heading downstairs. "I'll have Paul fill me in …" Paul followed her voice into the living room where she was sitting on the floor; talking on her cell phone and wearing his discarded Air Force Academy t-shirt. "Is that all you found out? I know, thanks T. Bye." She hung up the phone.

"I take it that was Teal'c?" Paul asked, sitting on the floor next to her.

"Yeah." Rebecca replied. She turned and cuddled against his side. Her hand was on his stomach and her head was on his shoulder. "Paul?"

"Yeah babe?" Paul asked, kissing her forehead.

"Is it possible that the NID could be behind this?"

"I don't know."

Rebecca bit her lip and looked at him. "What about the foothold situation?"

"How did you find out about that?" Paul asked.

"Teal'c told me to ask you about it." She replied. "They told Jonas."

"Some aliens had some devices that could make an exact copy of a person." Paul replied. "The devices are at Area 51."

"Of specific people?"

"Yeah."

"And I take it my dad was one of them?"

"Of course."

"Think about it Paul, Kinsey was already established a threat to the NID when Daddy and I got him to turn over the information that got Hammond reinstated. Daddy and Hammond were both threats because as long as they are leading the SGC then the NID can't get a hold of any alien technology. They can get rid of Kinsey and my dad in one go. What about Hammond?"

"The alien that took his persona was killed while he was still wearing the device."

"Get my dad and Kinsey out of the way and then strong arm Hammond into retiring again. And they know that Daddy can't use this against them in court even if he was to find out because that would compromise the Stargate."

Paul nodded his agreement. "We need to meet with the DA in the morning," he glanced at the clock on his mantel. "Or rather later on this morning; we need to go back to bed." She let him lead her back up to his bedroom and the two of them fell asleep in each other's arms trying to figure out how they could use this information to help Jack.

Paul woke up, the next morning to find a note on Rebecca's pillow. 'Paul. I borrowed the Beemer to go to the store so I could get some stuff to make breakfast. I hope you don't mind. Be back soon. Love, Becca.' He smiled and placed the note on his bedside table before pulling on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. He went downstairs to pour himself a cup of the coffee that he knew Rebecca had to have made before leaving.

Rebecca shifted the grocery bag she was carrying to her hip as she fumbled with Paul's keys. She finally found the front door key but when she went to insert it into the lock the door creaked open. "Paul?" She called. She set the bag down inside the door and reached into the table by the door. Rebecca pulled out the Beretta Paul kept there and eased into the house. She glanced into the kitchen where there was clearly a struggle. Rebecca ran for the stairs when she heard a noise upstairs. She readied the gun and started towards the master bedroom. Strong arms grabbed her from behind. Rebecca stomped on her attacker's foot and spun around her elbow connecting cleanly with the side of his head. She grabbed the attacker and forced him face first to the ground. Rebecca quickly straddled his waist her knees pinned his arms to the ground; she held him down by holding her hand to his throat and pressed the gun to the back of his head. "We're going to become fast friends and you're going to tell me what I want to know. You do know who I am right?"

"You're O'Neill's daughter." The man ground out.

"Good, then you know that I am my father's daughter and would not feel bad about pulling the trigger right?" The man nodded. "Are there anymore of your people in the house?"

"One."

"Where?"

"Master bedroom …"

"Is that where Major Davis is?" The man hesitated so Rebecca pressed his throat harder. "Is that where Major Davis is?"

"Yes … don't act so formal, Lt, we found your bag in his bedroom …" He stopped talking when Rebecca hauled him to his feet, her gun still pressed into his neck. She twisted his arm behind his back. The man walked into the master bedroom.

"Phillips …" The second man stopped talking when he saw Rebecca.

"Sit down." She ordered to Phillips, shoving him towards the bed. He sat and Rebecca turned her attention to the second man. She heard a moan and saw Paul roll onto his side. He was laying at the second man's feet. "Back away from the Major, nice and slow." He took a menacing step towards her and Rebecca leveled the gun on him. "Now." She followed his movements with the gun. "On the bed."

"Becca …" Paul moaned.

She was momentarily distracted and Phillips used that opportunity to tackle her. The gun went flying out of Rebecca's hand and skidded in front of the dresser. The second man was on his feet and snatching up the gun in an instant. He pointed it at Rebecca who was still laying on the floor. She looked up at him. "We're not supposed to kill them …" Phillips said, getting to his feet.

"We're not supposed to kill him. She doesn't matter." The second man answered. "Wouldn't that be just wonderful Major Davis?" He looked over to Paul, who was just starting to fully become aware of his surroundings. "Phillips, hold him down." The man went and obeyed the order.

Rebecca noticed that while he was talking to Paul that's where his attention was solely. She kicked up, grabbing the arm that was holding the gun between her legs. Rebecca pulled quickly causing him to fall off balance before she kicked to her feet. "You're first mistake is that you talked about killing me instead of just killing me." She stepped on the hand that was holding the gun, making him release it. Rebecca started to pick up the gun when the man grabbed her leg and tossed her into the dresser. She grunted in pain as her back and shoulder slammed into the wood. Paul used Phillips distraction to punch the bigger man. Rebecca came off the dresser, holding her shoulder. She ducked the fist that came flying towards her and delivered an uppercut that sent the man flying onto his back. Rebecca quickly snatched up the gun and pointed it at the man lying on the floor. Phillips moved towards her. Rebecca aimed her gun at him. "Don't … I'll shoot you, I swear to God!"

"Becca!" Paul yelled when the second man got up.

Rebecca turned and shoved the gun into the man's gut before pulling the trigger. She watched him crumple to the floor with a cold expression on her face. She turned back to Phillips, leveling the gun on him. "Your turn."

"Lieutenant," Sam said as she and Agent Barrett came into the bedroom.

"Freeze." Barrett ordered. All motion stopped in the room as some more agents came in and hauled Phillips away.

"Damn …" Rebecca wheezed, holding her shoulder as all of the fight flew out of her body. Paul was at her side in an instant. "I'm fine." She turned to Sam. "Daddy?"

"We've got enough evidence to clear him. He's going to meet us back at the base." Sam replied. "Oh … and you are no longer on probation. You've been cleared of all charges as well." She motioned for Agent Barrett and the two of them left the lovers. They watched a second group gather up the body of the second man and then leave the couple.

Paul pulled his love into his arms and held her tightly. He was trying to reassure himself that she was still alive and with him and it was the bad guy being taken to the morgue. "I've got some things to take care of here …" Paul started. "Like cleaning my carpet for one thing."

"I know." Rebecca replied. "I'll call you when I find out the next time I have leave." She kissed him. "I love you."

"I love you too." He watched her pick up her duffle and head out. "Becca…" She turned back around to face him. "Thank you."

"No problem." Rebecca answered with a smile before heading out.