AN: Well, a pretty big update for ya. I hope you like.
It was mildly comforting to know that he wasn't the only one feeling restless. Jack could see Teal'c's own frustration very clearly around the edges. Nor was Daniel immune to it, they each felt the worry quite plainly. Unsure how much longer he could have stayed waiting, Jack nearly pounced on the General when he came into the briefing room. His posture made it very clear he had some sort of information.
"What do you got?" Jack asked. Thoughts of protocol were far from his mind at that point.
Hammond was unphased. "It looks like we found Major Carter's assumed identity. Heather Williams purchased a one way ticket to Rhode Island less than two hours after she went missing. Which is quite a feat for someone currently serving time for drug possession."
"Rhode Island?" Daniel said dubiously.
"Not a lot of travel selection at two in the morning," Jack replied.
"Is there no further information?" Teal'c asked.
Hammond shook his head. "No. Whatever she did after that was under the table."
"Well, Carter doesn't have family or anything there. Unless I'm mistaken she's never even set foot in Rhode Island before. So unless this is the least funny practical joke of all, I think we can safely say she's not staying there." Jack crossed his arms over his chest, deep in thought.
"Sam's certainly had enough time to leave already. Personally, I can only think of one place she might be going in that direction. Unless I'm mistaken."
Jack gave a nod, knowing exactly where Daniel was referring to, or more precisely, who he was referring to. Sam was very private about it, but they all knew she was still seeing the detective in New York City. Benson, he recalled.
"Think you hit the nail on the head. New York seems the best bet. What's that Benson's number?" Jack went over to the table and picked up Sam's cell phone, turning it on.
"So you're just going to call her?" Daniel asked.
"We're inside a mountain... I was going to use the base line. But yes."
"Is that wise, Colonel?" Hammond said.
Jack responded with a shrug. "In all likelihood she knows it's only a matter of time before we put two and two together. If not, then maybe we can convince Benson to help us help her. I think we have to give it a shot, sir."
Teal'c nodded his head slightly. "I am in agreement with O'Neill."
"Yeah, you've got a point," Daniel admitted.
Hammond nodded. With the number in hand, Jack went into the office and dialled. The others were close behind. It rang half a dozen times, and Jack worried it was going to go to voice mail.
"Hello?" The voice was hesitant.
"Olivia Benson?" Jack asked.
She paused only a moment. "Who is this?"
"Colonel Jack O'Neill, Carter's C.O."
"Yeah, I remember," Olivia said. Though she couldn't see, Jack gave a wry smile. Yeah, after what had happened with the Goa'uld on Earth she probably wouldn't forget them any time soon.
"We've got a big problem here," he said, not entirely sure how to broach the subject.
He could swear she didn't sound surprised. "What is it?"
"Carter's gone missing."
"Missing?" she echoed.
"Well," Jack began. The truth was the best way to go on this, Olivia was a smart woman in her own right. "I guess 'took off' would be a more accurate description."
"Why would she do that?" The question was sincere. He'd almost say she was pleading for an answer.
"Unfortunately, we're not sure exactly. Something happened on a mission, she was in pretty bad shape. Some sort of drugs we're still trying to figure out."
"Is... is she ok?" Jack could feel her concern as tangibly as he could his own.
"We don't know. She didn't tell us what happened. We have no idea why she snuck off base, what's going through her head right now."
He could almost hear the tension in the silence. Olivia was conflicted, he knew. Jack took a breath, and pressed.
"We think she's heading your way. Benson, we need your help to find her. Everyone's worried about her."
In the ensuing silence Jack looked up at the others. Daniel's expression demanded an answer, to know if they were right or not. Teal'c's face belied nothing, but Jack knew the question lied underneath. Hammond's brow was furrowed as he listened to Jack's side of the conversation.
He heard her give a sharp exhale. "I'll let you know if I see her."
Jack heard her disconnect and set his own phone in the cradle. "Carter's with her."
"She said so?" Daniel asked.
"Not in so many words. But I'd bet on it. Sir?" He looked over to the General, his question not needing to be voiced.
"Go. The plane will be ready when you reach the airfield."