Major Carter stood there, leaning against the brick wall of the casino that lined the alley way. Taking some deep calming breaths, she was able to take hold of her emotions. The gentle breeze of the night air served to calm her nerves to an even greater degree.
Glancing down at the pile of dust that was once a, well, something, her eyes became transfixed on the last remains of the pile floating away in the breeze. And just like that, almost all evidence that anything had happened was gone.
She brought her attention towards the mouth of the alley. Colonel O'Neill was giving a cursory inspection of the unconscious man. With determined steps she began to make her way towards her CO. Almost all evidence of anything happening was gone, but not everything.
This man had saved her, and she was grateful for it. She only hoped that he could answer some, more like a lot of, questions. But first things were first, and they needed to make sure he was ok. Whatever that thing was, she had seen it get in a few good punches while her rescuer's back was against the wall.
O'Neill had just put his phone away and was giving Xander a cursory inspection. He looked up when he heard Carter's footsteps approaching.
"How is he, Sir?"
"I think he just has a concussion." He looked back at the unconscious man. "Any alcohol he consumed probably didn't help. If he has any further injuries it'll be the Doc who does the prognosis." He glanced back up at Sam to see her nodding in agreement.
"Can he be moved, Sir?"
"Yea, and Janet said that if I thought he could be moved, I should bring him to her so she can take a quick look before we go."
Carter looked at him in confusion. "Sir?"
Jack gave a quiet chuckle. "Apparently Doc. Frasier decided to bring half of the infirmary with her when she decided to come along with us on our little 'group vacation.'"
"Yes Sir. But, where are we going, Sir?"
"Major, you were just attacked by a" He paused to think up a proper term. "An unknown. I'm not sure if you were a specified target or if it was random." He looked her dead in the eyes. "But this all just wreaks of the NID to me. So, it's time to pack up campers because this vacation is officially over."
Sam simply nodded her head. "Yes Sir. I completely agree with you. But, where are we going?"
Jack looked up and smiled at her. "Well, we are in Nevada, How does Groom Lake sound?"
"Area 51, Sir?" She leaned in and whispered to him so that no one else would overhear.
He looked back down at Xander's still unconscious form. "Yep, Doc said they have a proper medical facility on base, better than your average hospital. Plus, if need be, we can get immediate transportation back to Cheyenne."
"Very good, Sir."
Looking back up at her, Jack spoke. "Come on Major; help me bring this guy up to see the Doc."
The two of them made short work of lifting the unconscious man and were heading towards the lobby of their hotel. About ten steps into their journey Jack let out a muffled curse.
"Sir?"
"Damn betting pool. I had my money on 2 days before something happened to ruin our vacation." He was glad to hear Carter quietly snickering beside him. He had been worried that whatever had happened would have left an adverse affect on her permanently. But, she wouldn't be Carter if she let that happen.
"I had 2 and a half days myself, Sir."
He gave her a small smile. "Ever the optimist, Carter?" She gave a small smile in return. "I wonder who had 4 hours as their bet."
"I'm not sure, Sir. But, from what I heard, the money should be enough to retire on."
He gave his own little chuckle. 'Yep, she'll be fine.' There was definite relief in that thought.
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They had made it up to Janet's room with little incidents. Apparently this wasn't the first time an unconscious man had been carried through their hotel. And in Vegas no less! Go figure.
Janet opened her door while stepping aside to allow them entrance.
'Holy crap! She really did bring half of the infirmary with her! God I hope she didn't bring any needles with her.'
They brought the man over to the bed and laid him gently on it. Jack rolled the man onto his side for a moment. After retrieving the man's wallet and identification, he walked into their adjourning room and closed the door. He had some phone calls to make.
'Hammond really isn't going to like this.'
