Part 18

We worked through most of the morning and afternoon. I worked on the few leads we had left on Peters and Kelly. But to my dismay, they were all dead ends. Any prior history on them before they started to work at the SGC had been deleted from the NID system.

Someone was covering his or her tracks, and it seemed we were always a step behind.

I let Murphy know what was happening and she handed me a disk to work off of. She said it was the program she used yesterday to get the little information we did have on Peters and Kelly out of the system. She suggested I try and use it to find the "lost" files on Peters and Kelly. Murphy also suggested that I call Barrett to see if he would be willing to let me access their files in the NID system using his password.

Ferretti had spoke to Teal'c regarding Peters' death. He had been shot in the back of the head execution style. Griffith and Ayers had been relieved from guarding him and the airman that was left in charge had also been killed. Everyone was being questioned and Agent Barrett was let into the mountain to help in the investigation. I asked Ferretti to get a copy of the sign in and sign out sheets to see who had been in the facility before it had happen. He said he would get back to us when he got the information.

Cassie was helping out by putting the files we had in chronological order. The pictures in them were numbered on the back and she was matching the surveillance tapes and files with the photos. She stopped to look at the laptop that was trying to match Smith's prints when a beeping sound was heard.

"Ah Murphy? I think you better take a look at this. I think the computer found a match," Cassie said.

We heard the front door open and saw Jack, Maybourne and Daniel coming through it. Daniel said that a gas leak had ironically occurred at Kelly and Peters' apartment, and all that was left was the charred remains of the building. S o any other files or evidence that might have been there were now gone.

"They're starting to tie up all the loose ends. With Peters and Kelly's death, they have eliminated they're two weakest links. The mole must be still feeding them information. I'm positive if we find out who killed Peters', we'll find our mole," Maybourne said.

Murphy and I went to the laptop to see if there truly was a match on the prints.

"Yes! We got a match on Smith's prints," Murphy yelled out in excitement. Everyone came to stand behind us to see who the elusive Mr. Smith really was.

It turned out that Mr. Smith was really Dr. Nathan Elliot Kehr. Where had I heard that name before? I knew I'd heard it before, but I couldn't remember from where.

Murphy read out loud so everyone could hear. "It says that he's contracted with the government for research, but it doesn't specify what type. He has the highest Civilian Security Clearance, even higher then mine. This says he was born in Germany, went to school here, but not what school. This guy is one big question mark. It says he was the Head of Genetic Engineering for the projects we started with the Russians when we were sharing technology. No criminal records as far as I can see, but I think we've got a problem," Murphy said as the information started to disappear from the screen in front of us. Murphy pressed the print button, and pages started to come out of the printer.

A box popped up on the screen warning that records were being illegally accessed and a password was needed to access any more information.

"Murphy, do something! We need to get the rest of that information. Don't lose the link or we might not have another chance to access this site," Maybourne yelled.

"Harry, keep your shirt on. I' m doing the best I can. If you'd have told me that this was going to happen, then I would have gone through the back door of the system," Murphy yelled back.

Daniel and Cassie started to bring the papers to us to see if we could find any information that could be used to find out more information on Mr. Kehr.

Murphy tried as hard as she could but the system was blocking all her attempts to keep the link open. She realized that someone was trying to access her system and was trying to retrieve the information that we already had.

"I've got to shut down before they corrupt the information we already have. Dr Jackson, Cassie? How much did we get printed out," Murphy asked before shutting down the laptop.

"Well, I think we've go something to work with . Let's read up on Nate and see what we can come up with," the Colonel said.

We looked at the papers that were printed on Dr. Kehr and decided that Teal'c and Daniel would start searching through the web for him to see what we could find on him with a name search.

Maybourne said he would see what he could come up with, and thanked Murphy on her efforts.

Murphy finally broke the encryption and started to scan the files that were stored on the database. She gave me more leads to follow up and had Cassie and the Colonel start reading reports that were sent to the NID to see if there was any useful information.

It was getting late and everyone was hungry. Cassie asked if anyone wanted leftovers.

Cassie came to me and handed me a plate of food. She showed me the bracelet that Murphy had given her. It was a leather band with a silver infinity symbol on it.

"Isn't this cool Sam? Murphy said her friend makes them, and she gave me hers, since she could get another one next time she sees him," Cassie said.

I looked at it and admired the craftsmanship. Daniel and the Colonel who were also admiring the bracelet. Cassie decided to show Teal'c and Maybourne her new bracelet and walked away to show them.

"I hope that was okay Major Carter. A friend of mine makes them to sell at craft fairs. She really liked it and I can always get another one," Murphy said.

"No, it's fine. I was just admiring the detail, and the infinity symbol is really well made."

There was a knock on the door and we all looked up. Maybourne went into Jack's room and Daniel open the door. It was Russell he had tried to get into the SGC but was turned away.

Daniel and Jack updated him on what was going on at the SGC and here. He volunteered to help us out. He said he wanted to call his boss to let him know where he was at and where he could contact him.

Ferretti called me back and said that the investigation was going nowhere. He and General Hammond had been cleared and could leave the mountain to attend Janet's burial. I said we would meet them at the cemetery. He asked what we had found out and I gave him a brief update and also told him to pass on the information to the General and Agent Barrett. Ferretti said he would and asked if he could talk to the Colonel.

I handed the phone to the Colonel and decided to get everyone up and ready to go to the burial. We had just enough time to shower and change in order to make it the cemetery on time.

Murphy set up the fax machine and asked the Colonel to let Ferretti know it was ready to receive the information he was going to send. Cassie was already showering and getting ready. Teal'c said he would check out the area around the house and then shower and change, and Daniel said he wanted to go home since he didn't have any proper clothes that he could wear. Murphy said she wanted to go home and check on her cat and shower and change. She had promised Cassie that she would come back to give her the matching earrings to her new bracelet.

Russell asked if he could attend. "It would be good to have some one on watch just in case any attempt is made during the burial," he said.

The Colonel said that was a good ideal and he was welcome to attend. Walking towards the door Russell accidentally bumped into the fax machine and it fell to the floor, breaking into pieces.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was that close to it," Russell stammered out.

The Colonel said it was all right and that he better get going if he was going to be back in an hour.

"Sir, I think you better call Ferretti back and let him know what happen. He can just bring the sheets along with him," I said.

"I will. Murphy, you better shake a leg if you want to be back in an hour, " the Colonel said. Murphy shut down her laptop and left.

"So, do you want to shower first or do you want to join me," Jack asked with mischief in his eyes.

I smiled back and said that would be hard to do, especially since Maybourne was probably hiding out in the shower as we speak.

Jack groaned and said he had forgotten about Harry. He would tell him the coast was clear and he could do more research while we were gone.

I asked what message my dad had given Ferretti to tell him.

He said nothing much, just that our conversation wasn't over and we would be finishing it once he got back.

"Not if I can help it. He's got to understand that I'm not 14 years old that I'm an adult and can make my own decisions. He might not be happy about it, but if he doesn't support my decision, then that's to bad. He's just going to have to deal with it," I told Jack, putting my arms around his waist and leaning against his chest.

"I don't need you fighting my battles, Sam. Let me deal with your Dad. He's only looking out for you," Jack said.

I looked up at him. "I tried not caring for you. That whole episode with Pete was just my way of testing my feelings for you. I wasn't in love with him. I just wanted to see what everyone said I was missing. You let me go to see what was out there. That's what real love is about. You took a chance by doing that. It just made me realize what I have and that I don't want to ever lose you. You're all I want and you're all I need. You're everything to me." And with that said I kissed him.

"You better go check on Cassie before I do something we both can't stop," Jack said, letting me go. I turned around and gave him a seductive smile and went to check on Cassie, and get ready myself.

Cassie and I were walking down the hall when we heard Murphy laughing at something Maybourne had said.

"I can't believe you fell for his bull Colonel. And you actually let him go off world with you," Murphy said while trying hard not to laugh too hard.

"Well, at least I got to shoot him. Mind you he was trying to kill me at the time, and don't forget he did zat Carter before we went through the portal," the Colonel added.

"Um Major, about shooting you, I never got to apologize for that. It wasn't anything personal. I just needed to get to my final destination. I think I got the short end of the stick anyway, since I ended up being stuck with Jack," Maybourne said.

I said it was all water under the bridge. We heard a car pull up and Cassie went to see who it was.

"Ah, Harry, I think you better go hide. I ts Russell coming up the driveway,"Cassie asked.

Maybourne got up and asked us not to bring Russell back with us to the house. He was getting tired of hiding out in Jack's room. Murphy said she'd let him borrow her car. He promised if he got any leads that he would let Jack know as soon as possible.

Daniel was the last to arrive and we decided to take my car and Jack's truck.

Jack drove Daniel, Teal'c and Russell, while Cassie and Murphy came with me. The drive to the cemetery was uneventful and when we arrived General Hammond and Ferretti were already there. We also saw a limousine pull up and were shocked to see Kinsey get out of the car with Smith and his assistant.

"For crying out loud! Doesn't the man have any sense at all? Who invited him anyway? General, I thought this was suppose to be family only. How did he get invited?" the Colonel asked.

"I'm just as surprised as you are Colonel. I want to know how he found out we'd be here and who leaked the information. Only a handful of people knew we'd be here for Dr. Fraiser's burial. Major Ferretti, call the base and ask Agent Barrett and Major Palmer to find out what they can. I'm sick and tired of the leaks coming out of that base, even when where suppose to be on lockdown," General Hammond said.

General Hammond asked Cassie to wait, and Daniel and I waited with her. The Colonel was staring at Mr. Kehr. I whispered to him not to let him know we knew his true identity. Never letting his gaze leave Smith' s face, he nodded.

General Hammond could be heard rather loudly asking soon to be Vice President Kinsey what he was doing there. Kinsey responded that since he was not allowed to get close to Cassandra Fraiser at the SGC and wasn't invited to the gathering afterwards he would try to convey his sympathy to her here. The General said that Cassie had agreed to speak to him but, requested that after he conveyed his sympathy that he leave immediately since he was causing her and the others discomfort by showing up at the cemetery.

The General motioned Cassie to come to him. Daniel, Jack, Teal'c, Murphy, Ferretti, and I walked with her towards Kinsey.

"My dear, I'd like to say how sorry I am at your loss. I would have spoken to you at the service but was not allowed to. Your mother's death was a great loss to the SGC. I only hope you realize the sacrifices one makes when working on such a top-secret project. So

if there is anything you need, just ask," Kinsey said and tried to give her a hug, but was pulled back by Daniel.

Cassie looked at Daniel and asked, "You speak of the sacrifice my mother made for the program you have tried unsuccessfully to shut down. You could never realize the sacrifice these people make everyday. So take your sympathy and your help and leave! That's the way you can help me."

"You ungrateful little…." Smith raised his hand to grab Cassie but was stopped by Murphy.

"Elliot, are you stupid or mentally challenged? You touch one hair on her head and not only will I have you on the floor in two seconds, Her Uncles behind me will tear you limb from limb" Murphy threatened.

Kinsey's assistant was escorting him back to the limousine seeing thesituation unraveled while Murphy was still grasping Smith's arm. The Colonel came behind Murphy and asked her to let him go. She didn't just squeezed it tighter. The Colonel grasped her hand and said this wasn't the time. Shelet go and moved out of the way.

"Leave Smith now while you still can."

Smith walked to the limousine, warning them that this was not finished.

We watched the limousine leave, and then walked over to where the burial would take place. The Colonel pulled Russell to the side and said to let him know the moment he saw anything.

The burial was a somber occasion. Cassie read a poem to her mother and we all placed flowers on the casket. During the service, the General's phone rang and he walked away to see who was calling.

Afterwards, we walked to the cars. Daniel had his arm around Cassie, who had started to cry, as was I. Teal' held my hand and reassured me that everything would be alright.

The General's call was from the SGC. My lab had been broken into and ransacked and Agent Barrett had asked if I had an inventory of what was in my lab so they could see what was taken or destroyed.

"Why would they break into my lab? I'm not working on anything important," I said aloud.

"Major Carter, maybe they were after your plans for the weapon to defeat Anubis's Soldiers. You must have kept records since the originals were destroyed with the Alpha site," Teal'c said.

"Okay people, let's get going. Carter, Murphy, Russell and Cassie, get back to the house and start working on the leads we have left. Daniel and Teal'c. I want you guys to come with me back to the base. Sir, we'll follow you back and see what exactly is going on," the Colonel said.

Opening the doors to the car, Cassie and Russell got in the back seat. I was about to get in when Murphy stopped me and spoke to the Colonel.

"Sir, I don't think Major Carter and Cassie should be traveling together in the same vehicle. It's just a precaution. We don't know who's watching. I'll take Cassie back to your home and Major Carter can go with you," Murphy said

"Aren't you being a little to paranoid Murphy? I don't think they would try something that stupid right now. We could travel a different route then the one we came over on. They wouldn't be expecting it and as soon as they got to the house, we could call for reinforcements," Russell said.

"Sir I don't want to let Cassie out of my sight. I think if we take a different route we'll be fine. Murphy and Russell will be with us I think it will be safer if I was there to protect her," I said.

Looking at me and at the General the Colonel made his decision.

"I think Murphy's right Carter. You come with Teal'c and I. General, can you call and get some airmen to guard the front until we get back from the base?" the Colonel asked.

"Consider it done Colonel," General Hammond said.

I handed my keys to Murphy. She said that she was only looking out for our well-being, and if I was upset then she was sorry. I told her I just had a bad feeling and told her that it must be that I really was lacking sleep. She assured me that they would get home safely.

Teal 'c also reassured me that he would be diligent in making sure they got home safely and showed me that he had brought along a zat gun just in case.

Leaving with the Daniel and the Colonel, I sat in the passenger seat lost in my own thoughts. We followed General Hammond and Ferretti back to the base.

Half way to the base, the Colonel got a call from Maybourne with some disturbing news.

"Harry, calm down. What did you find out," the Colonel asked.

Daniel and I waited to see what Maybourne had found out and could see the shock and anger on the Colonel's face.

"Son of a …" the Colonel yelled out and made a U-turn on the road and tossed me the phone.

"Harry, its Carter. What did you tell the Colonel," I asked holding on for dear life as Jack drove like a mad man.

"Carter, I told Jack were I recognized Murphy from. I pulled up my old files when I was recruiting my team for the rogue NID teams. Carter I was going to recruit her. She's our mole."

To Be Continued.