Part 20

I was almost through the window when I heard footsteps. Scrambling, I hid behind a bush. I knew it couldn't be Major Griffith since he had been talking to the Colonel. I waited until I didn't hear any more noises before moving. Getting up, I dusted
myself off and started to walk towards the street. I'd only gotten a few steps before I felt someone grab my arm from behind. Startled, I turned around to see Captain Russell.

"Major Carter! What are you doing out here? I thought the Colonel said you weren't to leave the house," he asked.

I'd been caught and had to think of something quick, before he called Jack and spoiled my escape.

"Captain Russell, I thought you were suppose to go with Daniel and Teal'c to check out Murphy's house. Why are you still here?" I asked.

"I started to feel sick and the Colonel ordered me to go get checked out by the SGC doctor. I was about to leave when I saw you come out of the window. So why are you sneaking out? Won't the Colonel be upset when he finds you gone," he asked.

I knew if I didn't tell him something, I would have half of the SGC and one very angry Colonel on my tail.

"Russell, I need your help. I need you to give me a ride to my house. Can you do that for me, no questions asked?"

"Why do you need to go home?" he asked.

"Captain Russell, all I need is a ride. I can't answer your questions right now. So can you help me out or not?" I asked.

Russell paused. "I am going to get in so much trouble, but if I don't help, I'm sure you'll find another way. All right ma'am, I'll give you a lift to your house, but only if you tell me the truth as to why you're sneaking out of the Colonel's and not letting him know where you're going."

"I'll tell you on the way, but let's go before Major Griffith or the Colonel come outside," I said.

On the way to my house, I told him everything about the text message I had received and my meeting in less then 45 minutes at Wardlow Park. My training as a soldier was screaming that this was a trap but I had to go. Cassie's life was hanging in the balance and I would do anything to guarantee she would get back safe.

We arrived at my house and Russell said he was coming with me. I told him no, that I couldn't risk Cassie's life and his. He said he would call the Colonel right then and there if I didn't agree, and proceeded to pull out his cell phone to show me he wasn't
kidding. I knew I needed back up and he would have to be it. If it got real bad, he'd call the Colonel for help. I smiled and said I appreciated his help and maybe he was right. I was going to have to let someone back me up just in case I was double-crossed.

"I'll let you help only if you promise me that if it's a choice between saving me or Cassie, you save her and leave me behind. They want me and if I give myself up, they might just let her go," I said.

Going inside, I told him to make himself comfortable. I went to get my jacket and helmet from my room so I could ride over on my bike to the park. He would have to follow or take another route so they wouldn't suspect anything.

I felt a little better knowing someone would be there to take Cassie back to Jack. I pulled out my jacket and helmet from the closet. I also got my gun from the lock box that I kept in my drawer. Picking up the files from the bed, I pulled out my phone, wanting to put Russell's number on my speed dial just in case. Walking down the hall, I went into the kitchen. Russell was talking on the phone. He must have called the Colonel as soon as I left to my room. He was going to ruin everything. I grab him and turned him around. He smiled and then said something I wasn't expecting.

"Yes, the target has been acquired. You don't have to go to the park. I will be bringing her to you. No, they still don't suspect me. Captain Murphy is the leak at the SGC we've be en looking for. She's behind the report that the Senator has been worried about. No, they believe that Murphy is working for the NID and is the mole.

They think she masterminded Cassandra's abduction as well. After I drop the Major off, I 'll go back to see what their next move will be. If I find out anything else, I'll let you know. I suggest you start on Murphy. She has all the answers about what exactly is on that report. Don't forget, we don't have much time. Also, remind the Senator who delivered as promised," Russell said as he pointed a Zat gun at me.

I stood there in shock. Murphy wasn't the mole. It was Russell. We had given him access to all our plans and he had reported all our movements to the NID. That' s how they had always been a step ahead of us.

He hung up his phone and raised his zat gun. I started to walk backwards toward the living room, but backed into a wall.

"You can make this easy or hard Major. Frankly, you have been one difficult lady to get alone. Imagine my surprise when I saw you sneaking out of the Colonel's house right into my lap. You couldn't have made it any easier. I want you to hand me over the files, then reach into your jacket and slowly give me your gun. I know that's one of the main reasons you came back to your house. Ok which pocket is it in," Russell asked.

I wasn't going without a fight. I had to get away from him and some how call Jack to tell him that Russell was our spy. He knew where Cassie and Murphy were, and I had to do something to get him to tell me where they had them. I still had my phone behind my back, so I pushed my redial button hoping it was either Daniel's or Jack's phone.

He warned me again, and started to come closer to me. I said okay and handed him the files. Then I put my free hand in my pocket and handed him my gun.

"You had us all fooled didn't you, Russell? You must be really proud of yourself. You had us all believe that Murphy was the mole when it was you all the time. Why did you do it? We trusted you. Major Palmer trusted you. Why would you want to harm Cassie? She's never done anything to you. How could you just hand her over like that? " I said, loudly enough that my cell phone should have picked up my voice.

"When the Alpha site was compromised, and the SGC needed new blood, it was easy to just fit in especially with a recommendation from the right source. There are others at the base working for the NID also. I'm doing this for the welfare of my country as well as myself. I should be rewarded handsomely for capturing you. Come on we don't have much time before your team starts to wonder why you haven't come out of your room yet", Russell said.

I had to keep on talking so they would know where I was. I was still standing against the wall with Russell pointing his zat at me.

"They know I wanted to be alone. They'd never suspect I'd leave to come to my house. They don 't know about me being contacted by the kidnappers or my meeting with them. Only you do. You've been informing the NID on all our moves. Wait. You were the third assailant in the backyard that night we were attacked? You zatted me!

It all makes sense. You knew we would be alone. You let the NID know.

You also killed Peter's didn't you? You went back to tie up the loose ends. You had access and you knew that Ferrettti and the General would get him to talk. That's why you knocked the fax machine off the table. If Ferretti had sent over that sign-in list, we would have known you were lying about not going back to the base and leaving before it was placed in lockdown," I said

"Enough talk, we have an appointment and I don't want to be late."

"You also told them about the burial. That's why Kinsey and Smith were there. You told them we had found out who Smith was and they had to act fast. You knew they would take her. But why take Murphy? She had nothing to do with it. You didn't even know that she was the one investigating the SGC till we told you," I said.

"You were supposed to be in that car, not Murphy. That's why I told Murphy she was paranoid. They were supposed to take both of you at that point, but plans change. I didn't get a chance to let them know that you were not going to be in the car. I told them to take the females only and to knock me out. I didn't expect her to be such a good driver and a sharp shooter. She asked me to back her up and when she turned around I shot her. It turned out better then I expected. With all of you thinking she was the SGC mole just made it easier. We'll get the information she's collected and her report before anyone sees it. I'm curious to see who ordered it. Let's go. It's getting late and I want to get back to the Colonel's to see their reaction when they find out your gone," Russell said.

He yanked my arm and my phone fell out of my hand. He bent down to picked it up. I knew it was either now or never. He saw that it was on but couldn't tell who was on the other line.

"You little bitch, you tricked me!" Russell yelled.

This was the break I was looking for. I kicked him and he staggered back. I started to run for the door, but was grabbed from behind by my foot and we both fell. I started to struggle with Russell. I yelled out that we were at my house and that Russell was the mole.

He slapped me hard, and for a moment, was dazed. My arms shot up and I had connected with his jaw. He let out a howl. I got up and ran for the door. But I wasn't fast enough. I heard the distinct sound of a Zat, and then there was nothing but darkness.

I was groggy as I opened my eyes. I didn't know how long I had been out, but what I did know was that my face hurt, and my hands and feet were bound. I also had a gag in my mouth and there was nothing but darkness all around me.

I tried to adjust to the low light and discovered that I was in a car trunk. I had to remain calm so I could stay rational.

I heard footsteps and waited to see who would open the trunk.

I was yanked out by two men and carried to a building. It was still light and I tried to see if anything looked familiar. I saw trees and mountains and a road leading to somewhere. I was almost to the building when the gag was taken out of my mouth. I asked where Cassie and Murphy were. They did not answer and I was thrown into a darkened shed.

I had fallen on my side and could feel a sharp pain shoot up my arm. I let out a groan and rolled onto my back.

I heard heavy breathing. I wasn't alone. I sat up and started to focus to see who else was in the room with me.

I heard someone try to speak. "Cassie?"

"Murphy is that you," I asked.

"Major Carter? How did you get here? Were you ambushed too? Where's the Colonel and Daniel," she whispered.

I started to move closer to her by using her voice to locate her position. I wanted to see how badly hurt she was.

When I found her, she was lying on the floor in the corner. She looked like a bus had hit her.

"Oh my God, Murphy! What did they do to you? How hurt are you? Where's Cassie? Why isn't she here with you? Where did they take her and why?"

"Whoa, Major Carter, one question at a time. I've got a headache the size of Texas. I've was shot by our resident mole Russell. The coward shot me while I had my back towards him. I tried to warn Teal'c and Cassie, but he zatted me and that's the last thing I remembered until I woke up with Cassie cradling my head on her lap. I tried to tell her everything was going to be okay, but they came and tried to take her away. I wasn't going to let that happen. That's how I got my head bashed in. I should have done something more. I wish…"

Murphy suddenly stopped. She was holding back tears that wanted to fall. I could see her trying to talk, but her emotions were too strong. Taking a deep breath she whispered that she was sorry that she had failed in keeping Cassie safe. She said they had come back and started to ask her about the report she was compiling on the SGC and wanting to know who was behind it.

"I gave them my name, rank and serial number and told them to bite me. They didn't appreciate my joke and decided I needed to be taught some manners."

I asked her where she was shot and she said in the shoulder. Cassie had stopped the bleeding before she was taken, but it had started again when they began to question her.

"Major Carter, what are you doing here? I've figured out they weren't after Cassie. They really wanted you. You hold all the answers with your knowledge of the Stargate and your blending with Jolinar. Cassie was used to distract us. So we wouldn't be focusing on their real target. It was always you," Murphy said.

I agreed with her. I told her everything that had happen since we left the cemetery. I told her about Maybourne finding an old NID file on her and how we thought she was our mole. I also told her about hearing everything that had happen in the car with the gunshots and Cassie crying out for help. I told her how we found my car with the bullet holes and all the windows blown out. I finished by tell her that everyone knew she wasn't our mole. I had gotten Russell to confess to everything and was hoping that whoever had been on the other end of my call had heard everything.

"I was wondering how they found out about me. So Maybourne had a file on me when he was working for the NID? Major Carter, let me make one thing clear. I am not working for the NID. I've been gathering information for a special report requested by the President. He was worried that the incoming administration would not understand what exactly was going on at the SGC. Since most polls were in Hayes favor and he knew who his running mate was, it only made sense that the outgoing President wanted to give the new one a heads up. Soon to be President Hayes and the outgoing President are really good friends out of the political forum. So my CO gave me this assignment to gather all types of data and to see the day to day running of the SGC. My team and I have been gathering information for over 8 months, I was only suppose to be used at the SGC and not go off world, but there was a mix up, and I was assigned to Major Ferretti's team. To say I got hands on training is putting it mildly.

I've been all over the world Major and going through the Stargate the first time was the most frightening thing I've ever done. I've uncovered a lot of things that I don't even think you or anyone working at the SGC knew about. There's more leaks then anyone realize. And a lot of the information I've gathered is very sensitive."

"Murphy," I said, "why did Maybourne have a file on you? You said you never met Harry or worked with the NID? I want to believe you, but I don't know if I can trust you. You were gathering information on the SGC."

"Major Carter, I don't know what is in that file that Harry has. I've had a very checkered pass. Once we get out of here, I'll tell you all about it and try to make you understand. I've done things that I am not proud of in service of my country. Some things I didn't agree with, but I did them without question since that was what was expected of me. But I've seen and done things these last 8 months that I would never be able to explain. And I was not supposed to get attached to the people working there. My CO will be an essential part of the new administration and he was pushing for this report to be completed quickly. I was supposed to be re-assigned back to the Penatgon right before Dr. Fraiser was killed. I requested to stay when I heard the NID was snooping around. I knew Senator Kinsey had some dealings with them and I was granted my request. I was supposed to report back to my team yesterday. Since I am late in reporting in, they have protocol to follow. I know my CO has something to do with Agent Barrett being called to the White House. It was only a matter of time before you all found out whom I was really working for. I hope you believe me Major, I have no more secrets."

I told Murphy I believed her. I needed her help in getting Cassie out of this place in one piece.

She nodded and asked what exactly had Russell told his friends about her.

I told her that they knew that the report she was doing was complete and that they wanted to know who had ordered the report.

She listened and took in all that I had said.

"Major Carter, you said something about yours and Cassie's medical files. Were they the one's in the Colonel's house?"

"Yeah, they were hidden away. Murphy how did you know about the files they were hidden? No one knew about them. Besides Russell took them away from me at my house."

Murphy smiled and then winced with pain while she tried to sit up.

"This is going to be entertaining since I switch the files with my own medical records and that of Sgt. Siler. It's going to get real interesting when Dr. Kehr gets here."

"You switched our medical information? Murphy where are our original reports?"

"Somewhere safe. They'll never find them. Don't worry Major I think we just bought us some time. They're going to blame you for not bring them the files. You have to tell them that you don't know what there talking about. Put the blame on me. They are not leaving without those files. Dr Kehr needs them to have a basis for his research. It seems plan A's shaping up to be plan B."

I looked at her. "You have a plan B," I said. She then went into detail of her plan. She explained to me that the bracelet that she had given Cassie was actually a transponder. It was hidden in a pocket underneath the infinity symbol. Open the pocket, push the button, and it would give out a signal to her team so they would be able to locate and rescue them.

"Remember Major Carter, the longer we keep them here, the easier it will be for us to be found. If I'm taken away, make sure you turn on that transponder. Its our only chance of getting out of there."

We heard the door open and waited to see who was coming in. We saw the silhouette of two people.

The lights were turned on and we saw Cassie being held by Russell and one of the two men that had thrown me in here earlier.

Cassie looked upset and she was trying to get away from Russell when she saw me on the floor next to Murphy.

"Sam! Are you all right? Is Murphy okay?"

Turning towards Russell, she yelled to be let go, and began to struggle. Russell, having had had enough, struck her across the face. I yelled at him and told him to leave her alone.

"You're such a coward, Russell. First you shot me in the back and then you stoop to hitting girls. What's next? Untie me and try doing that to me. Like I told your employer, he should have thought twice before messing with us."

Russell let go of Cassie. She came over to us and knelt by me and gave me a hug. She said she was okay and that she was going to check on Murphy.

Russell was standing above Murphy and gave her a kick. I could see her wince but not let out a sound. She would not give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry out in pain. Russell pulled Murphy up and began to drag her to the door.

"Where are you taking her? She needs medical attention," I yelled.

"Major, you have other problems to worry about. I'm taking Captain Murphy for a little chat. We need that report and the copies of all her research and disks before we depart. Don't get too comfortable. We'll be leaving shortly and I haven't forgotten I still owe you for blowing my cover."

Murphy turned back and nodded to me before she was taken out the door. I waited until Cassie and I were alone and let out the breath I was holding.

Cassie wasn't tied up. I told her to help untie me as I held out my hands. She undid the knots on them and also on my legs. I rubbed my wrist to get the circulation going. My legs were hurting and I knew I'd have bruises before the day was over. Cassie helped me up.

I asked if they had harmed her and she said no.

"I didn't know Russell was working with them, Sam. I thought he was here to rescue us. I signaled him, thinking that you and the others were following behind him. Is Murphy okay? What are we going to do Sam? Where are Jack, Daniel and Teal'c? Are they on their way?"

I remembered what Murphy said about Cassie's bracelet. I asked if she still had it and she showed me her arm. I reached out for it and did exactly what Murphy had said I pulled the symbol up to reveal the pocket and opened it and saw the transponder. I pushed down on it and it lit up and started to flash. Cassie looked at me and then at the bracelet.

"What's going on Sam? How did that get into my bracelet? Did Murphy have something to do with this? Are we going to be rescued?"

I explained to her about what we had found out. I told her that she could not trust anyone but Murphy, Ferretti, SG1 and me only. We didn't know who else was involved and I trusted my team and Murphy above anyone else for now. I then explained that her bracelet was a transponder and that our position would be sent to Murphy's team, and hopefully they would contact the SGC for backup. I asked her what she remembered seeing outside when they had brought her here.

She said she remembered there was a larger building behind some bushes that she was taken to. There were at least 8 men but had heard that they had 3 teams around the perimeter. They were all armed and had radios.

"That's all I remember, Sam. I hope this helps. What do you think will happen if Murphy's team doesn't get here on time?"

"They will Cassie. She's overdue for checking in by two days. They will be waiting for her signal. Don't worry, will get out of this."

The doors opened and we turned to see who it was. My stomach dropped. Dr. Kehr stood there with our medical files and an evil grin.

"Samantha, its nice to see you again. I think you have some explaining to do."

TBC