The three of them sat despondently, not speaking and not even looking at each other. It had been almost 8 weeks and they still hadn't heard a thing. They all had to go back to work on Monday and they were dreading it. Until they either found Jack – or at least found out what had happened to him – each of them knew that they it would be almost impossible to go back.
"I don't know what else to do", Daniel said angrily. "No one knows anything. It's like he just vanished off the face of the earth."
"We know Daniel", Sam said wearily. She was tired of Daniel repeating the same things over and over. She knew it was his way of dealing with his stress and anger, but it wasn't helping. She pushed herself up from her chair to go and get a drink. She couldn't sit here and listen anymore.
"It does no good to continue to repeat the same things over and over Daniel Jackson", Teal'c said quietly. He too was finding Daniel hard to take even though his tolerance level was much higher than Carter's.
"I know Teal'c – I just – I'm so frustrated. I feel like we've failed Jack. If he were here he would have figured out something by now."
"That may be true. O'Neill was highly trained in such things – but he is not here and we must keep looking."
The fact was, they were continuing to do whatever they could. Walter had managed to pull up the files of all missing persons across the US. He'd recruited a volunteer force – of practically every person on base to help go through the files. They were taking turns – on their off time of course – going through all the files and pictures. So far they hadn't found anything.
The next day Sam had to run to the grocery store to pick up a few things. She knew she hadn't been eating properly since the Colonel had disappeared. If he were here he'd be telling her off for not looking after herself. God – how she wished he were here!
"Just keep shopping Major", a voice spoke beside her. She glanced to the side and saw a man's hand picking out apples. "Buy your groceries and take them to your car. I'll talk to you there."
She finished shopping and paid for everything, her heart beating wildly the whole time. She'd recognized that voice and, for the first time in weeks felt some hope.
She loaded her groceries in the trunk and then got in her small car. "Just drive Major", the voice said from the back seat. She pulled out of the parking lot and drove carefully until she reached a small park. She pulled into the lot and turned off the engine.
"Okay Maybourne, we're here. Now what can you tell me."
"Nice to see you too Major Carter."
"Cut the crap Harry. You know why we've been looking for you. Tell me what you've found out."
There was a deep sigh and then Harry opened the back door and moved himself into the front. He sat for a moment, an uncharacteristically serious expression on his face. Sam felt herself grow more frightened. "Harry?"
"I don't know if he's still alive or not – if it was anyone else but O'Neill I'd doubt it. He was kidnapped by a group working for Samuels. The man who arranged the kidnapping is Ernst Abel – a professional interrogator used by the NID in the past."
"Why did they take him?" she asked quietly. She had to use all her willpower to keep from breaking down.
"Samuels wants to get at the Ancient knowledge", he said.
"But that's all gone. The Asgard removed it years ago."
"Samuels believes there has to be at least some of the knowledge still there and that Jack has been hiding it. He wants it badly."
"So – this man Abel – he was hired to -?"
"To take Jack and interrogate him till he got the information."
"And by interrogation I guess you don't mean he simply asked the Colonel some questions?"
"No, I'm afraid not."
"So, do you think he could still be alive?"
"If he is, he's in bad shape", answered Maybourne honestly.
"Do you have any idea where they took him?"
"No, I wasn't able to find out. Samuels and his men haven't done anything unusual for weeks. If they still have Jack they're staying away so as not to lead anyone to him."
"So, we know Samuels had him taken but can't prove it and can't find him. That's not much help Harry."
"Look, I want to find Jack as much as you do", he answered. When he saw Carter's skeptical look he turned and faced her. "I know you don't like or trust me Major, but I owe Jack a lot. Even though we haven't always seen eye to eye, I respect him. Samuels, on the other hand, is a louse bearing scumbag – and I want to bring him down."
"Me too, but how are we going to do that?"
"I was able to find out that Abel has a partner. His name is Laurence Gerard – although he goes by the name Gerry."
"So how does this help us?"
"Gerry was seen in Vegas, just yesterday. It seems like he was flashing around a lot of money – spending it on gambling and women."
"Do you know where in Vegas he is?"
"Yes", he pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Carter. "I want to know when you find him. I'm going to keep looking for evidence to connect Samuels to this whole thing." He opened the door of the car and stepped out. He then leaned back in. "Bring him home Major."
As Sam drove home she pulled her cell phone out of her purse and called Daniel. "Daniel, pack quickly. We're on our way to Vegas. I'll explain later." After that she called the General and told him they had a lead and that she needed a flight to Nellis as quickly as possible.
In less than an hour Carter, Teal'c and Daniel were on their way to Vegas. This time Daniel was quiet – too worried, too hopeful, to have anything to say.
They arrived quickly in Vegas and made their way directly to the hotel where Gerard was staying. It was still light out so they hoped he hadn't started gambling yet.
"Nice place", Daniel said as the taxi dropped them off.
"Maybourne said he had money", she answered briefly. They took the elevator up to the floor where he was supposedly staying.
"Be careful. He's probably armed."
"You knock on his door Sam. He'll be less suspicious if it's a woman. Pretend you're with room service."
She looked at Daniel in disgust but nodded, knowing he was probably right.
She approached the door and knocked. "Room service", she called. When there was no answer she tried again but still no one came. "He must be out", she told the guys. Taking a thin wallet out of her pocket she pulled out a small tool and proceeded to unlock the door.
"Oh my God!" Sam stopped suddenly. Daniel and Teal'c pressed in behind her but couldn't see into the room until she stepped aside.
Daniel was sure he was going to throw up. He'd seen a lot in his years with the SGC – a lot of horror and inhumanity – but he'd always taken comfort in the fact that the ones perpetuating it were aliens. This – this was done by humans. It was obvious that Gerard had been tortured before he'd died.
Teal'c took both his friends' arms and pulled them back into the hall. He then took a cloth and carefully wiped the door knob. "Let us go, quickly."
The three teammates left the hotel, carefully – trying not to look suspicious. They moved to a smaller hotel, off the main strip, and checked in. It was only then that they were able to speak.
"What are we going to do?" Daniel asked. "Why would they have tortured him?"
"I don't know Daniel. It was either to get information or because he'd done something they didn't like. It could be that someone else is trying to find out where the Colonel is. But now - I don't know what we can do. We don't have any more leads." She was sitting, looking out the window at the lights of Vegas. She felt a wave of despair wash over her. Maybe this was it. Maybe this was the end.
It was a short time later when her phone rang. She almost wished she could ignore it. Closing her eyes she lifted it to her ear. "Carter."
"What is wrong Major Carter?" Teal'c asked as she turned off the phone. She was looking stunned.
"That was Walter. One of the nurses identified one of the pictures. It was of a man in a hospital in Los Angeles. She thinks it might be Colonel O'Neill."
"But she's not sure?" Daniel asked.
"No – said he the man was extremely thin and ill looking but that she thought it was him."
"Where did the picture come from?" he asked.
"Someone at the hospital took it and send it to the police. I guess a man came in with no identification and no last name – only a first name so they contacted the police who put his picture on file."
"What first name did he give?" asked Teal'c.
"Charlie."
The man calling himself 'Sam' found that it was almost easier to sleep on the streets than to get a bed in one of the shelters. They were crowded and the lines were long. He'd watched many fights as men had tried to move up in the line so they could get a bed. A couple of times he'd been forced to move when someone had demanded his spot in line. He'd briefly thought of putting up a fight, but he still felt too weak, too disoriented to bother.
His cold was getting worse and he found it increasingly difficult to rest or sleep. He was kept awake at night by terrible coughing and tremors. He didn't know what was wrong – but he figured it wasn't good.
He did manage to get something to eat each day – usually from one of the missions. The only thing he'd have to do each day to get fed was listen to people telling him to repent and worship the Lord. He didn't quite know what things he had to repent for since he couldn't remember anything, but again, he didn't have the energy to worry about it. He would agree, say he repented, and then eat. He hoped God would understand.
He was sitting down at the table in the mission, eating the stew he'd been given, when he felt someone sit next to him. He glanced up and saw it was BJ – one of the only friends he'd made since he'd arrived in Skid Row. The other person was Joe – although he hadn't seen him in a few days.
"How ya doin' General", the big black man asked. For some reason he'd taken a liking to BJ – he reminded him of someone he knew – someone he trusted – although he couldn't remember who that was. He occasionally got a picture of some kind of gold tattoo – but couldn't figure out what it meant.
BJ had started to call him General after he told him about a dream he'd had.
"I remember I was wearing some kind of uniform", he said as they were sitting in the alley in the middle of the night. It was too cold to sleep so they were trying to keep warm in front of a small fire. "I was with some other people and we – we jumped into this pool of water." He stopped and frowned – he could see the pool but was confused because it seemed like it was standing up, but everyone knew water couldn't stay like that.
"So, maybe you were in the Navy?" BJ had commented as he drank from the bottle he was carrying.
"No, Air Force", he answered without thinking. He then turned to the other man in shock. "I – I guess maybe I was with the Air Force."
"So you're a veteran? Lot's of guys likeyou around here. Patch over there was a Marine. Bootsy and Flags were both in the Army. I don't know any of the guys here that were in the Air Force, but there probably are some."
He sat there for a while, trying to remember anything else, but nothing came. That pool of water seemed to be important somehow. He just wished he could remember why.
"So, were you enlisted or what?"
"Huh?"
"What rank were you?"
"I – I don't know."
"Maybe you were a Private?"
"No – not in the Air Force – they have Airmen."
"Really? I didn't know that. So were you an Airman?"
"Maybe – I – it sounds familiar but I think – I think I was an officer."
"An officer? No shit? Wow, I don't think I even knew an officer before." He stood up and gave a sloppy salute. "Airman BJ reporting for duty SIR!" he said, and then flopped down and took another drink. "So, I bet you were a General. You look like you coulda been a General."
He'd gotten a small grin on his face at that but before he could reply he'd had another coughing fit. BJ had stayed with him, patting him on the back. Eventually he'd fallen back into a restless sleep although the pain in his chest made it hard to really relax.
So, from that day on BJ had called him General. He hadn't minded. In fact, he kind of liked it. For some reason it made him feel – at home. And the fact was, BJ gave him some companionship and made him feel safer. Being alone on the streets wasn't good. It was too easy to be a victim and BJ was big and scary looking although he figured the man probably couldn't hurt a flea!
He coughed again, and noticed that this time there was blood in his hand. That same memory came back to haunt him. He was cold, so cold and they couldn't find the DHD. He was sure he was going to die here – but he didn't want Sam to die. She was too young. She was just starting her life. "Plan B Captain, Plan B."
"Plan B? What the hell is plan B General?" It took him a second to realize where he was and that it was BJ speaking to him.
"Plan B? Uh – just thinking about dinner." He replied. He knew he probably sounded two fries short of a happy meal, but then everyone around here figured he was crazy anyway. He had all these visions – and sometimes he talked about traveling to other worlds. Often he didn't know he had until he'd gotten strange looks – or sarcastic comments. Still, he didn't want to come across too crazy or they'd carry him away in a straight jacket – just like they had with Daniel.
"Sound good. Let's go." BJ stood up and waited for the General. He worried about him – he looked like hell and seemed to be getting worse every day. He wasn't well himself – he had been living on the streets for years and knew he was not much more than a drunk – but there was something about the other man he'd liked from the first time he met him and he would hate to see him die. Too many on the streets died to soon. It was a rough life, and aged a man – or woman – years before their time.
He reached down and helped 'Sam' up. The man had a hard time even standing. "Maybe you should go to the clinic General", he said. "I think you need some medicine."
"I'm okay", he coughed. "it's just a cold." He knew it was more than that, but really didn't want to go back to the hospital. "Let's go. They'll be out of the good food if we wait too long."
"Ya gonna try for a bed tonight?" BJ asked. He really worried that more nights on the street would be the death of his new found friend.
"Maybe."
The two men walked to the mission for supper. A line had already formed outside the building as those who lived on the streets went to get something to eat - to sustain them through another night of rough living. Jack stood in line behind Rafaelo – another one of the people he'd met while living in Skid Row.
"Hiya Sam", Rafaelo turned around and saluted. Everyone seemed to know that Sam had been military. Word quickly traveled among the people in Skid Row. "Come to see what the church ladies have for us tonight."
"Yeah", he coughed again. "Hopefully it's not tuna casserole! I'm pretty sure the devil has something to do with tuna casserole!"
"What's wrong Spaceman – you gotta thing against tuna?"
Crap, just what he needed. Paco was a bully who spent his days trying to steal anything he could get from the people in Skid Row. He wondered why the man bothered – surely there wasn't much to steal down here! The worst thing, however, was the fact that he had brought together a few others and they'd formed their own little gang. They terrorized the locals – and had lately started to pick on him. Somehow, he didn't think that was unusual. He had this suspicion that he really got on the nerve of bullies!
"No", he replied shortly. He really didn't want to get into a fight right now. He felt too weak and sick.
"No what, Spaceman?" Paco laughed and looked at his followers. "Spaceman here thinks he's travelled to other planets. He's met aliens!" He walked right up to Sam. "Hey Spaceman, what do the aliens look like? Are they green with two heads? Do they eat people or turn them into zombies?"
'Sam' stood there, trying to ignore the vicious bully. Others had moved away from him, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire. He saw a couple of Paco's posse move up and he grimaced. This could get ugly real quick.
"Why don't you leave him alone Paco?", BJ spoke up at his elbow. He looked at his friend and smiled his thanks. Not many would stand up to Paco.
"What, you got your own babysitter there Spaceman? Can't look after yourself? Does he have to change your diapers for you?"
"Just ignore him General", BJ whispered.
"I'm trying, but he's very irritating."
"I'm irritating? Why that's not very nice Spaceman. You should watch what you say."
"Any you should be careful or your brains might just go to your head!"
"Why you - "
The next thing BJ knew, Paco was lying on the ground, groaning in pain. It had happened so fast he wasn't quite sure what he'd seen. Paco had tried to hit the General but his fist hadn't connected – instead, the General had moved quickly and flipped the other man over his hip and on to the ground.
The problem was, the move had exhausted his friend and he was bent over coughing uncontrollably. He didn't seem to be able to catch his breath and the wheezing was horrible.
While he was trying to stop the attack, Paco's friends had taken advantage and had moved in on the coughing man. One of them grabbed his arms and held them behind his back as the others began to pound on him. BJ tried to step forward but someone grabbed him from behind as well. Whoever it was was strong – he couldn't help his friend.
BJ watched in despair as they beat Sam to a pulp – finally leaving him, bleeding and unconscious. BJ bent over his friend. "Oh General – what are we gonna do!"