Chapter 6: I, Spy
Chief Master Sergeant Siler stepped off the ramp at the SGC and headed straight to the general's office. As much as he disliked having to talk to General Maybourne, it was standard procedure to check in with the general to let him know what business he was on. After all, Siler was assigned to the off-world base, which meant that he was rarely on Earth. When he was, there was generally a reason for it, which required him to report directly to the general.
As he got to the office, Siler gently rapped on the closed door and waited for the invitation to enter before opening the door. He saluted sharply as he stopped just in front of the general's desk and waited for the man to return the salute before dropping his hand and standing at attention.
"General Maybourne, I'm here to retrieve the supplies General O'Neill asked for. He was sent a message telling him that they had arrived."
Siler stood perfectly still, watching as Maybourne watched him from his seat. The General nodded once, but never motioned for the younger man to take a seat, or stand at ease. The man's face was pinched, Siler noticed, as if he were worried about something. He didn't have a right to ask what it was, of course, even though his curiosity had been piqued.
"Yes, I was told you were going to come, Sergeant. I'm assuming that you were told where the supplies were stored?" Maybourne replied.
"Yes, sir. With your permission, I'll load them up on a FRED and take them that way."
"Very well, Sergeant. Have the Lieutenant in Supply inform me when you've gathered what you need. Dismissed."
Siler saluted once more, before performing a perfect about face and exiting the office.
That was strange, Siler thought as he headed down to the supply floors. He didn't ask how things were going on the other base like he usually does. He was preoccupied about something and didn't want to waste time on me.
He immediately headed down the steps that would lead to Level 28, where the Armory was located. As he turned the corner that would lead him to his destination, Siler took out a small, electronic notepad, where the information about the supplies was stored. He looked up the room number, a small storage room a few yards from the Armory, and immediately headed in that direction. As he reached the correct room, Siler grabbed a rolling flat cart and hauled it into the room with him so he could load up what he needed.
Two hours later, he had everything loaded up, except for the case of ammunition he hadn't found. Siler assumed that it had just been taken to another area of the room and he just couldn't see it. However, when everything was loaded up, he still couldn't find it. With a sigh, he left the loaded cart where it was and started to make his way up to Level 20, where the supply officer was located.
Suddenly, he got an idea of where the missing case of ammunition might be and turned around to head back to where the rest of the supplies were. Once he'd made his way inside the room, Siler heard voices coming from the corridor to his left. As the voices grew nearer, Siler stuck his head out the door to try to get a peek at what was happening.
What he saw and heard in the connecting corridor made his heart beat faster.
"How stupid is good old Harry, having me brought back here. Doesn't he think that someone is going to see me?"
Siler immediately knew who that voice belonged to. He and Robert Rothman had spent some time together in the past, usually when Siler had to fix something in the doctor's office. Rothman had always been courteous and polite to him, treating him as another person, not as just the repair man. Siler had always appreciated that and had made it a point to get to the doctor's equipment first, if he could. Both men had also shared some late night meals in the commissary now and then.
"Keep your mouth shut, Doc. We aren't very patient men," a man's voice that Siler did not recognize spoke.
Siler carefully poked his head around the threshold of the room one more time and saw two men leading a cuffed Dr. Rothman to a room on the opposite side of where Siler was standing. They were not wearing the regulation fatigues that all SGC personnel wore while on duty, but they were wearing a uniform of some kind. Robert Rothman wore jeans and a sweatshirt, which told Siler that he hadn't been on duty when he was detained.
The three men entered a room on the far end of the corridor on the opposite side of him, a room which Siler knew was another small storage room used for storing ammunition. They closed the door behind them once they'd entered, and Siler immediately made his way back to the room he'd been working in, grabbed the cart and walked to the embarkation room as fast as he could. The lost ammunitions crate could wait. All he wanted to do now was get back to his base so he could talk to General O'Neill.
****
Maybourne grinned as he hung up the phone, satisfied that at least something had gone right for him lately. That troublemaker, Rothman, was safely in custody. Jackson was still on the loose somewhere, but Maybourne didn't think that would pose much of a problem. The man was out there, probably alone, with very little in the way of supplies. He had no place to go, and after Maybourne's anonymous call to the Colorado Police Department, he'd have the state police after him.
"So much to do, so little time," Maybourne said softly to himself and left the office. He stopped at the briefing room window, watching as the Stargate burst to life below him.
At the bottom of the ramp, Siler stood with the FRED loaded up and ready to go. The man manipulated the machine's controls and guided it up the ramp, turning and waving at someone in the control room. Once the man had crossed the event horizon, Maybourne released a sigh of relief.
He hated having O'Neill's people on the base, because they were always sniffing around, seeing what they could find. Maybourne was well aware that he couldn't control them, which is why he limited their access and made sure that they told him why they were on base. Now that Siler was gone, Maybourne could move on to more important business, like a lying archaeologist.
Maybourne made his way out of the briefing room to conduct his business.
****
"Siler, you're back early," Lieutenant Moriarty exclaimed as Siler exited the wormhole and stepped onto the smooth stones of the Stargate platform. "Is everything okay?"
Siler nodded to the woman, and then turned his attention to the FRED. "Lieutenant, could you please have someone take this to the supply building? I have to talk to the General."
"Sure, no problem. Is there something wrong?" she asked again.
"I don't know," Siler said honestly, "I'm about to find out."
Without another word, he headed down the steps and walked quickly into the main building. He immediately took the elevator to the second floor, which would lead him to General O'Neill's office. He had been working with Colonel Carter on finding any NID documents that dealt with General Hammond's murder, and she had told him what she, the General, and Teal'c believed had happened to General Hammond. Siler had always liked and respected Dr. Jackson, which was why he'd agreed to keep quiet and help out. Colonel Carter had let it slip that Dr. Rothman was in on the ploy as well, which was why seeing him on the base on Earth set off every nerve in Siler's body. If Rothman was in custody, what could that mean for Jackson?
"I need to speak to the General," Siler told the Major seated at the desk just outside of the General's office. He quickly remembered his place in the chain of command and saluted crisply.
Major Hines returned the salute, and then narrowed his eyes at him. "Sergeant, is there something wrong?"
Siler swallowed. How do you tell a superior officer that it's none of his business?
"I'm not sure, sir, but the General needs to know about it."
Hines nodded in acknowledgement and headed for the General's door. He knocked on it once, before letting himself in. Siler stood at attention, sweating in the cool air of the base, impatiently waiting to get in to see the General.
After what seemed like forever, Major Hines exited the office. "He'll see you."
"Thank you, Major," Siler said and then proceeded to walk past the man and into the General's office. He closed the door behind him then saluted the general. He saw O'Neill return the salute and then motion for him to take a seat.
"I was at the SGC picking up supplies earlier today, General. I just returned," Siler said as he took the offered seat.
"Yes, I was aware of the trip, Siler. Did something happen?" O'Neill's voice was soft, but Siler could hear the undertones in it. Whatever the man had on his mind, it was really worrying him.
"I saw Dr. Rothman being escorted into one of the supply rooms on level twenty eight. He was handcuffed and wearing civilian clothes," Siler explained and saw O'Neill's eyes go wide at the news. "He said something about 'Harry being stupid enough' to hold him at the SGC, and I assumed that he was speaking about General Maybourne."
Siler saw O'Neill swallow and shake his head.
"Damn," he cursed softly. He then returned his eyes to Siler. "Who was escorting him?"
Siler shrugged. "I don't know, sir. They weren't wearing SGC uniforms, though."
O'Neill took a deep breath, readying himself for what he was about to ask. Siler noticed and beat him to it.
"Dr. Jackson wasn't with them, sir."
O'Neill sighed in relief. "That's good to know. The last I heard, Daniel was with Teal'c. I hope that they're still together."
Siler's eyes widened at the news, and he felt somewhat relieved. "When did you speak to them?"
O'Neill's eyes narrowed as if he were weighing how trustworthy Siler was. He apparently deserved enough trust, because the general continued to speak.
"Yesterday. Teal'c found Daniel at Catherine and Ernest's place in Denver. Maybourne's men must have found Robert there first. But that still doesn't mean anything. Daniel is still in danger."
"Yes, sir," was all Siler said.
"Thank you for the information, Siler. I don't have to remind you that what was spoken here does not leave this room."
"No sir, you don't. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Continue to help Colonel Carter on the computer search and keep an eye and ear out on the happenings at the SGC. Any bit of information can help."
"Of course, sir."
"You're dismissed. Good job, Siler."
Siler nodded and left the office to look for Colonel Carter. He didn't know the whole story of what was going on with Maybourne, but whatever it was, Siler was sure that he wasn't going to like it. He would be damned if Maybourne got away with what he'd done, though. Not while there were still people around that cared enough about the project and the reason it was started in the first place, and not while there were still men like Jack O'Neill around to care.
****
"You seem very pensive, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c stated as he walked up to the younger man, who was seated on the floor of the large room, intently staring at the screen of his laptop. "You have not moved in a long while."
They'd found an unlocked window at the back of the house, and had helped Rya'c get inside. The young Jaffa had then walked to the front door and opened it for them. The room was bathed in complete darkness, except for the illumination that came from the laptop and that which entered from the moon and the street lamps outside.
The house was indeed furnished with plenty of furniture, but there was no electricity to fuel the lamps and overhead lighting. In the interest of keeping their cover, they had agreed that they would sleep in the dark, with only the light from outside to light their way. If they needed anything like food, water or the facilities, they would walk to the Tel'tak. For now, they had chosen to remain in the house to give Daniel Jackson a chance to conduct his research.
Daniel sighed and lifted his head to glance at Teal'c. Even in the limited illumination, Teal'c could see that the archaeologist's eyes were haunted.
"I was just thinking about Robert," Daniel finally said. "He's in this situation because of me, Teal'c. He didn't ask for any of this."
"Was it not his choice to help you?"
"Yes, it was, but that still doesn't excuse the fact that he's probably being beaten for information on my whereabouts at the moment."
"Are you certain that General Maybourne would harm Dr. Rothman?"
"Hell, yes," Daniel replied. "Maybourne would do anything to get what he wants. Besides, Robert is under his command. If he 'accidentally' kills Robert while interrogating him, he could always say that Robert died on a mission and get away with it. God knows that he's gotten away with murder before."
Teal'c recognized the tone of voice Daniel Jackson was using and felt for him. Exposing a friend to danger was never a good feeling, but it was sometimes unavoidable.
"Dr. Rothman is not a fragile man. He will be able to take care of himself."
Daniel snorted. "Yeah, well. that still doesn't mean that it's going to be pleasant for him."
Daniel closed the laptop angrily and ran his hands through his hair. Even in the low lighting, Teal'c could see that they were shaking slightly.
"Dr. Rothman got himself in this situation willingly, Daniel Jackson. You should not blame yourself."
"That's easier said than done, Teal'c. We have to find him and get him out."
"I agree. For now, however, is it not more important to search for clues on General Maybourne's involvement in General Hammond's murder?"
"Yes, of course it is," Daniel said, shaking his head in disgust. "I just can't help being worried about Robert."
"Dr. Rothman will be fine. You can not help him if you're dead or in prison again," Teal'c gently reminded him, feeling sympathy for the young man, but also realizing that they didn't have another choice.
Daniel sighed. "I know, I know. Speaking of which, shouldn't we question our friends?"
Teal'c raised an eyebrow. "Indeed. They may be able to provide some information. I suggest we question them aboard the Tel'tak. It has a sound proof hull."
"Good man, Teal'c. I like your style."
****
The three of them made their way back to the Tel'tak quickly, careful of their surroundings. It was late at night and no one was out and about, which limited their chances of being seen. Still, Daniel felt a bit nervous coming and going like they were doing. They were strangers to the neighborhood and would immediately draw attention if someone were to see them.
Once inside the small vessel, Teal'c removed a zat gun from his pockets and stood beside one of the escape pods. His staff weapon was on the other hand, the one reaching for the release mechanism. Rya'c did the same thing, but positioned himself at the other escape pod. Daniel took the zat that Rya'c had given him and held it in his left hand, while his right held the 9mm.
Daniel nodded once to Teal'c, signaling that he should proceed. Teal'c did so, quickly opening up the escape pod. The man inside the pod blinked in surprise at his sudden release. He immediately sprang forward and out of the pod, but stopped when he found himself facing the business end of a staff weapon.
"I would not do that, if I were you. You are outnumbered," Teal'c intoned. Daniel immediately recognized the man as the one Teal'c had shot with the zat gun, the one who had been holding a gun to Catherine's head.
The man looked from one person to the other, almost as if he were deciding what to do. Finally, he seemed to decide that he was helpless and stood still in the middle of the three armed men.
"What do you want?" he asked.
"Information," Daniel replied. Out of the corner of his eye, Daniel saw Teal'c raise an eyebrow, but said nothing.
"I don't know anything," the man replied, starting at Daniel.
"Of course you don't," Daniel said and slowly made his way towards the man. "You just happened to be at the Littlefield's tonight, paying them a nice visit, right?" Daniel got directly in front of the man, making him take an uncertain step back. "It also just so happens that Dr. Rothman is now missing. Gee, what a coincidence, wouldn't you think?"
Daniel's fists clenched around the weapons he held almost of their own volition, his body desperate for a way to channel the anger he was feeling.
"I'll tell you one thing right now, you son of a bitch," Daniel spat at the man, forcing him to retreat until his back was up against the opened escape pod. "You will talk. You'll either tell us of your own free will, or I'll drag it out of you one way or another." To emphasize his point, Daniel pointed the handgun at the man's face, satisfied at the fear he saw in the man's eyes. "I don't know what you've heard about me, but I assure you, it's all wrong. I can and will make you talk. If, for some reason, my conscience decides to come out and play, Teal'c and Rya'c will have no qualms about picking up where I left off. So it's up to you. What will it be?"
The man looked at Daniel, and then shifted his gaze to Teal'c and Rya'c. He sighed in defeat and returned his attention to Daniel.
"What do you want to know?"
Daniel smiled again and took a step back, still keeping the gun trained on the man. Teal'c nodded in approval at his tactic, which Daniel took as a good sign.
"Who do you work for?"
"The NID," came the response.
"Who do you report to?"
There was no answer. Teal'c primed his staff weapon, the sound making the man in front of him flinch. "Maybourne," he finally replied.
"See, that wasn't so hard, was it?" Daniel asked, slowly walking around the man.
"What were you sent to do?"
"Retrieve you and Dr. Rothman."
"Where is Robert now?"
"I don't know."
Teal'c took a step forward, raising the staff weapon a little bit higher.
"I really don't know," the man said, desperation clear in his voice as he watched Teal'c. "I wasn't told where they were going, but I'm assuming they headed back to the SGC."
"Who is behind this?"
"Behind what?"
"Don't play games with me. I'm the one with the gun, remember?" Daniel threatened. "Besides, I don't think you want to make either one of these gentlemen mad," he added, gesturing towards Teal'c and Rya'c.
"General Maybourne ordered us to come and get you. He didn't tell us why, he just told us where to find you. That's all I know."
Daniel opened his mouth to say more, but was interrupted by the shrill ringing of a telephone. It sounded close, as if it were coming from inside the Tel'tak. Teal'c stepped forward and reached for the man's coat. He handed his staff weapon to Daniel, who took it and aimed it at their 'guest'. Teal'c reached inside the man's pocket and retrieved a small cellular phone.
"It appears that his employer is looking for him," Teal'c said, handing the phone to Daniel.
"I'll bet." Daniel took the phone and pressed the button that would activate the call. He didn't say anything, simply waited.
After a few seconds, Daniel could hear a voice on the other end of the connection. "Hemmingway? Where the hell are you?"
Daniel felt his blood run cold at the sound of Maybourne's voice. He clenched his jaw, willing himself not to overreact and say something stupid. He could use this situation to his advantage. He had to use it.
"How nice to hear your voice again, Harry," Daniel said, his voice neutral and calm.
On the other end, Daniel heard just silence. "Jackson, is that you?" Maybourne finally asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"The one and only. How nice of you to call and see how I'm doing. I'm doing good, by the way."
"Not for long, you won't be. Right about now, the Colorado Police is putting out an APB on you. You are, after all, a convicted murderer who just violated his parole. Your place is behind bars."
Daniels fist clenched at the smugness in Maybourne's voice and he wanted nothing more than to reach through the connection and hit the man. However, he had more important things to do at the moment.
"I'm not a murderer and we both know it," Daniel said. "That doesn't matter, though. What the Colorado Police do is not my concern. They'll have to find me first."
Maybourne laughed. "You think you're good, Jackson? Believe me, my people are much better."
Daniel laughed. "Really? If they're so good, why do I have your operative's cell phone?"
Maybourne was silent on the other end.
"Where's Robert?"
"Dr. Rothman is on leave. I believe he went to visit a sick friend in Chicago."
"Don't play games with me. I have two of your men, you have one of mine. A little information exchange couldn't hurt, could it?"
Daniel took a deep breath to calm himself. He needed to get Robert out of the SGC and away from Maybourne as soon as he could. If it meant returning the two men in his possession, then he'd do it.
"Let's make a deal, shall we Jackson? You want Rothman back, then so be it. Come to the SGC and we'll make a trade. My two men for Rothman."
Daniel laughed. "Do you think I'm stupid? I'm not setting foot anywhere near the SGC."
"Why not? Don't you trust me?" Maybourne asked, his voice innocent and wounded.
"No, I don't. I'm afraid we're going to have to keep our respective guests for a little while longer. But let me assure you, I will get the information I want out of these two agents I have with me. You know that I can, Harry. It's your neck on the line, and let me assure you, your neck will be mine when this is done."
With that, Daniel hung up the phone and slipped it into the pocket of his shirt. "Now, where were we?"
Chief Master Sergeant Siler stepped off the ramp at the SGC and headed straight to the general's office. As much as he disliked having to talk to General Maybourne, it was standard procedure to check in with the general to let him know what business he was on. After all, Siler was assigned to the off-world base, which meant that he was rarely on Earth. When he was, there was generally a reason for it, which required him to report directly to the general.
As he got to the office, Siler gently rapped on the closed door and waited for the invitation to enter before opening the door. He saluted sharply as he stopped just in front of the general's desk and waited for the man to return the salute before dropping his hand and standing at attention.
"General Maybourne, I'm here to retrieve the supplies General O'Neill asked for. He was sent a message telling him that they had arrived."
Siler stood perfectly still, watching as Maybourne watched him from his seat. The General nodded once, but never motioned for the younger man to take a seat, or stand at ease. The man's face was pinched, Siler noticed, as if he were worried about something. He didn't have a right to ask what it was, of course, even though his curiosity had been piqued.
"Yes, I was told you were going to come, Sergeant. I'm assuming that you were told where the supplies were stored?" Maybourne replied.
"Yes, sir. With your permission, I'll load them up on a FRED and take them that way."
"Very well, Sergeant. Have the Lieutenant in Supply inform me when you've gathered what you need. Dismissed."
Siler saluted once more, before performing a perfect about face and exiting the office.
That was strange, Siler thought as he headed down to the supply floors. He didn't ask how things were going on the other base like he usually does. He was preoccupied about something and didn't want to waste time on me.
He immediately headed down the steps that would lead to Level 28, where the Armory was located. As he turned the corner that would lead him to his destination, Siler took out a small, electronic notepad, where the information about the supplies was stored. He looked up the room number, a small storage room a few yards from the Armory, and immediately headed in that direction. As he reached the correct room, Siler grabbed a rolling flat cart and hauled it into the room with him so he could load up what he needed.
Two hours later, he had everything loaded up, except for the case of ammunition he hadn't found. Siler assumed that it had just been taken to another area of the room and he just couldn't see it. However, when everything was loaded up, he still couldn't find it. With a sigh, he left the loaded cart where it was and started to make his way up to Level 20, where the supply officer was located.
Suddenly, he got an idea of where the missing case of ammunition might be and turned around to head back to where the rest of the supplies were. Once he'd made his way inside the room, Siler heard voices coming from the corridor to his left. As the voices grew nearer, Siler stuck his head out the door to try to get a peek at what was happening.
What he saw and heard in the connecting corridor made his heart beat faster.
"How stupid is good old Harry, having me brought back here. Doesn't he think that someone is going to see me?"
Siler immediately knew who that voice belonged to. He and Robert Rothman had spent some time together in the past, usually when Siler had to fix something in the doctor's office. Rothman had always been courteous and polite to him, treating him as another person, not as just the repair man. Siler had always appreciated that and had made it a point to get to the doctor's equipment first, if he could. Both men had also shared some late night meals in the commissary now and then.
"Keep your mouth shut, Doc. We aren't very patient men," a man's voice that Siler did not recognize spoke.
Siler carefully poked his head around the threshold of the room one more time and saw two men leading a cuffed Dr. Rothman to a room on the opposite side of where Siler was standing. They were not wearing the regulation fatigues that all SGC personnel wore while on duty, but they were wearing a uniform of some kind. Robert Rothman wore jeans and a sweatshirt, which told Siler that he hadn't been on duty when he was detained.
The three men entered a room on the far end of the corridor on the opposite side of him, a room which Siler knew was another small storage room used for storing ammunition. They closed the door behind them once they'd entered, and Siler immediately made his way back to the room he'd been working in, grabbed the cart and walked to the embarkation room as fast as he could. The lost ammunitions crate could wait. All he wanted to do now was get back to his base so he could talk to General O'Neill.
****
Maybourne grinned as he hung up the phone, satisfied that at least something had gone right for him lately. That troublemaker, Rothman, was safely in custody. Jackson was still on the loose somewhere, but Maybourne didn't think that would pose much of a problem. The man was out there, probably alone, with very little in the way of supplies. He had no place to go, and after Maybourne's anonymous call to the Colorado Police Department, he'd have the state police after him.
"So much to do, so little time," Maybourne said softly to himself and left the office. He stopped at the briefing room window, watching as the Stargate burst to life below him.
At the bottom of the ramp, Siler stood with the FRED loaded up and ready to go. The man manipulated the machine's controls and guided it up the ramp, turning and waving at someone in the control room. Once the man had crossed the event horizon, Maybourne released a sigh of relief.
He hated having O'Neill's people on the base, because they were always sniffing around, seeing what they could find. Maybourne was well aware that he couldn't control them, which is why he limited their access and made sure that they told him why they were on base. Now that Siler was gone, Maybourne could move on to more important business, like a lying archaeologist.
Maybourne made his way out of the briefing room to conduct his business.
****
"Siler, you're back early," Lieutenant Moriarty exclaimed as Siler exited the wormhole and stepped onto the smooth stones of the Stargate platform. "Is everything okay?"
Siler nodded to the woman, and then turned his attention to the FRED. "Lieutenant, could you please have someone take this to the supply building? I have to talk to the General."
"Sure, no problem. Is there something wrong?" she asked again.
"I don't know," Siler said honestly, "I'm about to find out."
Without another word, he headed down the steps and walked quickly into the main building. He immediately took the elevator to the second floor, which would lead him to General O'Neill's office. He had been working with Colonel Carter on finding any NID documents that dealt with General Hammond's murder, and she had told him what she, the General, and Teal'c believed had happened to General Hammond. Siler had always liked and respected Dr. Jackson, which was why he'd agreed to keep quiet and help out. Colonel Carter had let it slip that Dr. Rothman was in on the ploy as well, which was why seeing him on the base on Earth set off every nerve in Siler's body. If Rothman was in custody, what could that mean for Jackson?
"I need to speak to the General," Siler told the Major seated at the desk just outside of the General's office. He quickly remembered his place in the chain of command and saluted crisply.
Major Hines returned the salute, and then narrowed his eyes at him. "Sergeant, is there something wrong?"
Siler swallowed. How do you tell a superior officer that it's none of his business?
"I'm not sure, sir, but the General needs to know about it."
Hines nodded in acknowledgement and headed for the General's door. He knocked on it once, before letting himself in. Siler stood at attention, sweating in the cool air of the base, impatiently waiting to get in to see the General.
After what seemed like forever, Major Hines exited the office. "He'll see you."
"Thank you, Major," Siler said and then proceeded to walk past the man and into the General's office. He closed the door behind him then saluted the general. He saw O'Neill return the salute and then motion for him to take a seat.
"I was at the SGC picking up supplies earlier today, General. I just returned," Siler said as he took the offered seat.
"Yes, I was aware of the trip, Siler. Did something happen?" O'Neill's voice was soft, but Siler could hear the undertones in it. Whatever the man had on his mind, it was really worrying him.
"I saw Dr. Rothman being escorted into one of the supply rooms on level twenty eight. He was handcuffed and wearing civilian clothes," Siler explained and saw O'Neill's eyes go wide at the news. "He said something about 'Harry being stupid enough' to hold him at the SGC, and I assumed that he was speaking about General Maybourne."
Siler saw O'Neill swallow and shake his head.
"Damn," he cursed softly. He then returned his eyes to Siler. "Who was escorting him?"
Siler shrugged. "I don't know, sir. They weren't wearing SGC uniforms, though."
O'Neill took a deep breath, readying himself for what he was about to ask. Siler noticed and beat him to it.
"Dr. Jackson wasn't with them, sir."
O'Neill sighed in relief. "That's good to know. The last I heard, Daniel was with Teal'c. I hope that they're still together."
Siler's eyes widened at the news, and he felt somewhat relieved. "When did you speak to them?"
O'Neill's eyes narrowed as if he were weighing how trustworthy Siler was. He apparently deserved enough trust, because the general continued to speak.
"Yesterday. Teal'c found Daniel at Catherine and Ernest's place in Denver. Maybourne's men must have found Robert there first. But that still doesn't mean anything. Daniel is still in danger."
"Yes, sir," was all Siler said.
"Thank you for the information, Siler. I don't have to remind you that what was spoken here does not leave this room."
"No sir, you don't. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Continue to help Colonel Carter on the computer search and keep an eye and ear out on the happenings at the SGC. Any bit of information can help."
"Of course, sir."
"You're dismissed. Good job, Siler."
Siler nodded and left the office to look for Colonel Carter. He didn't know the whole story of what was going on with Maybourne, but whatever it was, Siler was sure that he wasn't going to like it. He would be damned if Maybourne got away with what he'd done, though. Not while there were still people around that cared enough about the project and the reason it was started in the first place, and not while there were still men like Jack O'Neill around to care.
****
"You seem very pensive, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c stated as he walked up to the younger man, who was seated on the floor of the large room, intently staring at the screen of his laptop. "You have not moved in a long while."
They'd found an unlocked window at the back of the house, and had helped Rya'c get inside. The young Jaffa had then walked to the front door and opened it for them. The room was bathed in complete darkness, except for the illumination that came from the laptop and that which entered from the moon and the street lamps outside.
The house was indeed furnished with plenty of furniture, but there was no electricity to fuel the lamps and overhead lighting. In the interest of keeping their cover, they had agreed that they would sleep in the dark, with only the light from outside to light their way. If they needed anything like food, water or the facilities, they would walk to the Tel'tak. For now, they had chosen to remain in the house to give Daniel Jackson a chance to conduct his research.
Daniel sighed and lifted his head to glance at Teal'c. Even in the limited illumination, Teal'c could see that the archaeologist's eyes were haunted.
"I was just thinking about Robert," Daniel finally said. "He's in this situation because of me, Teal'c. He didn't ask for any of this."
"Was it not his choice to help you?"
"Yes, it was, but that still doesn't excuse the fact that he's probably being beaten for information on my whereabouts at the moment."
"Are you certain that General Maybourne would harm Dr. Rothman?"
"Hell, yes," Daniel replied. "Maybourne would do anything to get what he wants. Besides, Robert is under his command. If he 'accidentally' kills Robert while interrogating him, he could always say that Robert died on a mission and get away with it. God knows that he's gotten away with murder before."
Teal'c recognized the tone of voice Daniel Jackson was using and felt for him. Exposing a friend to danger was never a good feeling, but it was sometimes unavoidable.
"Dr. Rothman is not a fragile man. He will be able to take care of himself."
Daniel snorted. "Yeah, well. that still doesn't mean that it's going to be pleasant for him."
Daniel closed the laptop angrily and ran his hands through his hair. Even in the low lighting, Teal'c could see that they were shaking slightly.
"Dr. Rothman got himself in this situation willingly, Daniel Jackson. You should not blame yourself."
"That's easier said than done, Teal'c. We have to find him and get him out."
"I agree. For now, however, is it not more important to search for clues on General Maybourne's involvement in General Hammond's murder?"
"Yes, of course it is," Daniel said, shaking his head in disgust. "I just can't help being worried about Robert."
"Dr. Rothman will be fine. You can not help him if you're dead or in prison again," Teal'c gently reminded him, feeling sympathy for the young man, but also realizing that they didn't have another choice.
Daniel sighed. "I know, I know. Speaking of which, shouldn't we question our friends?"
Teal'c raised an eyebrow. "Indeed. They may be able to provide some information. I suggest we question them aboard the Tel'tak. It has a sound proof hull."
"Good man, Teal'c. I like your style."
****
The three of them made their way back to the Tel'tak quickly, careful of their surroundings. It was late at night and no one was out and about, which limited their chances of being seen. Still, Daniel felt a bit nervous coming and going like they were doing. They were strangers to the neighborhood and would immediately draw attention if someone were to see them.
Once inside the small vessel, Teal'c removed a zat gun from his pockets and stood beside one of the escape pods. His staff weapon was on the other hand, the one reaching for the release mechanism. Rya'c did the same thing, but positioned himself at the other escape pod. Daniel took the zat that Rya'c had given him and held it in his left hand, while his right held the 9mm.
Daniel nodded once to Teal'c, signaling that he should proceed. Teal'c did so, quickly opening up the escape pod. The man inside the pod blinked in surprise at his sudden release. He immediately sprang forward and out of the pod, but stopped when he found himself facing the business end of a staff weapon.
"I would not do that, if I were you. You are outnumbered," Teal'c intoned. Daniel immediately recognized the man as the one Teal'c had shot with the zat gun, the one who had been holding a gun to Catherine's head.
The man looked from one person to the other, almost as if he were deciding what to do. Finally, he seemed to decide that he was helpless and stood still in the middle of the three armed men.
"What do you want?" he asked.
"Information," Daniel replied. Out of the corner of his eye, Daniel saw Teal'c raise an eyebrow, but said nothing.
"I don't know anything," the man replied, starting at Daniel.
"Of course you don't," Daniel said and slowly made his way towards the man. "You just happened to be at the Littlefield's tonight, paying them a nice visit, right?" Daniel got directly in front of the man, making him take an uncertain step back. "It also just so happens that Dr. Rothman is now missing. Gee, what a coincidence, wouldn't you think?"
Daniel's fists clenched around the weapons he held almost of their own volition, his body desperate for a way to channel the anger he was feeling.
"I'll tell you one thing right now, you son of a bitch," Daniel spat at the man, forcing him to retreat until his back was up against the opened escape pod. "You will talk. You'll either tell us of your own free will, or I'll drag it out of you one way or another." To emphasize his point, Daniel pointed the handgun at the man's face, satisfied at the fear he saw in the man's eyes. "I don't know what you've heard about me, but I assure you, it's all wrong. I can and will make you talk. If, for some reason, my conscience decides to come out and play, Teal'c and Rya'c will have no qualms about picking up where I left off. So it's up to you. What will it be?"
The man looked at Daniel, and then shifted his gaze to Teal'c and Rya'c. He sighed in defeat and returned his attention to Daniel.
"What do you want to know?"
Daniel smiled again and took a step back, still keeping the gun trained on the man. Teal'c nodded in approval at his tactic, which Daniel took as a good sign.
"Who do you work for?"
"The NID," came the response.
"Who do you report to?"
There was no answer. Teal'c primed his staff weapon, the sound making the man in front of him flinch. "Maybourne," he finally replied.
"See, that wasn't so hard, was it?" Daniel asked, slowly walking around the man.
"What were you sent to do?"
"Retrieve you and Dr. Rothman."
"Where is Robert now?"
"I don't know."
Teal'c took a step forward, raising the staff weapon a little bit higher.
"I really don't know," the man said, desperation clear in his voice as he watched Teal'c. "I wasn't told where they were going, but I'm assuming they headed back to the SGC."
"Who is behind this?"
"Behind what?"
"Don't play games with me. I'm the one with the gun, remember?" Daniel threatened. "Besides, I don't think you want to make either one of these gentlemen mad," he added, gesturing towards Teal'c and Rya'c.
"General Maybourne ordered us to come and get you. He didn't tell us why, he just told us where to find you. That's all I know."
Daniel opened his mouth to say more, but was interrupted by the shrill ringing of a telephone. It sounded close, as if it were coming from inside the Tel'tak. Teal'c stepped forward and reached for the man's coat. He handed his staff weapon to Daniel, who took it and aimed it at their 'guest'. Teal'c reached inside the man's pocket and retrieved a small cellular phone.
"It appears that his employer is looking for him," Teal'c said, handing the phone to Daniel.
"I'll bet." Daniel took the phone and pressed the button that would activate the call. He didn't say anything, simply waited.
After a few seconds, Daniel could hear a voice on the other end of the connection. "Hemmingway? Where the hell are you?"
Daniel felt his blood run cold at the sound of Maybourne's voice. He clenched his jaw, willing himself not to overreact and say something stupid. He could use this situation to his advantage. He had to use it.
"How nice to hear your voice again, Harry," Daniel said, his voice neutral and calm.
On the other end, Daniel heard just silence. "Jackson, is that you?" Maybourne finally asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"The one and only. How nice of you to call and see how I'm doing. I'm doing good, by the way."
"Not for long, you won't be. Right about now, the Colorado Police is putting out an APB on you. You are, after all, a convicted murderer who just violated his parole. Your place is behind bars."
Daniels fist clenched at the smugness in Maybourne's voice and he wanted nothing more than to reach through the connection and hit the man. However, he had more important things to do at the moment.
"I'm not a murderer and we both know it," Daniel said. "That doesn't matter, though. What the Colorado Police do is not my concern. They'll have to find me first."
Maybourne laughed. "You think you're good, Jackson? Believe me, my people are much better."
Daniel laughed. "Really? If they're so good, why do I have your operative's cell phone?"
Maybourne was silent on the other end.
"Where's Robert?"
"Dr. Rothman is on leave. I believe he went to visit a sick friend in Chicago."
"Don't play games with me. I have two of your men, you have one of mine. A little information exchange couldn't hurt, could it?"
Daniel took a deep breath to calm himself. He needed to get Robert out of the SGC and away from Maybourne as soon as he could. If it meant returning the two men in his possession, then he'd do it.
"Let's make a deal, shall we Jackson? You want Rothman back, then so be it. Come to the SGC and we'll make a trade. My two men for Rothman."
Daniel laughed. "Do you think I'm stupid? I'm not setting foot anywhere near the SGC."
"Why not? Don't you trust me?" Maybourne asked, his voice innocent and wounded.
"No, I don't. I'm afraid we're going to have to keep our respective guests for a little while longer. But let me assure you, I will get the information I want out of these two agents I have with me. You know that I can, Harry. It's your neck on the line, and let me assure you, your neck will be mine when this is done."
With that, Daniel hung up the phone and slipped it into the pocket of his shirt. "Now, where were we?"