Chapter 18

The three made small talk, making sure it appeared that they just met. It was actually pretty easy. The bus had let them off at some rusty self serve gas station. Stepping off the bus, Sam looked around and a bad feeling washed over her.

"Is all this really necessary?"

"Why Mrs. McPherrel, it's completely necessary if the two of you want the lay of the land." Maybourne was still in disguise. Maybourne guided Jack and Sam into the gas station. It was abandoned, recently from the looks of things, and Maybourne was well acquainted with the layout.

They entered into what was like a secret compartment. Pulling on a row of freezers, Maybourne revealed a staircase. When they reached the bottom, all guises were finally dropped.

"So what did you think of my act? I thought it was pretty brilliant."

"Whatever Maybourne. What the hell is this place?" Jack asked first.

"The previous owner was kinda paranoid, believed in aliens sucking his brains out and the whole bit. Guess he wasn't too far off about the aliens but he was still kooky."

The rest of the lights were turned on, highlighting cameras and surveillance systems.

"So this is how you are able to stay in the states?" Sam asked in complete awe.

"Yes, and if you tattle, well, my end of the bargain is up."

"Don't worry, I could care less as long as I get my daughter and my life back." Everyone sits down and tries to formulate a plan. It was proving to be quite a difficult task. Whatever they did, Hanson had to believe that nothing was happening. An hour passed and no decent plan was formed.

Sam was thinking about all the possibilities. If she stayed with Jack until everything was over, well, Hanson would surely hurt her daughter. But if she went back and pretended everything was okay and apologized, their chances would vastly improve.

"I have a plan. It's risky, but so far it's the best one."

"Alright, shoot Sam."

"Well, I should try and get Hanson to take me back and apologize. I know it sounds absurd and crazy, but if I can stay on his good side long enough, maybe I can convince him to bring our daughter home and we can be a little 'family'. " Sam's eyes shifted between Jack and Maybourne. Jack was staring incredulously.

"Absolutely not! That's flat out suicide!"

"Jack, it will work. Hanson always wanted a family, that's his greatest weakness. It will only be a matter of time before we can make our move. I know him, what upsets him, what makes him happy. All I have to do is stay up on my game all the time, and I shouldn't get knocked around hardly at all."

Jack didn't look quite convinced but it was the only thing that would most likely work. Thinking it over a short while longer, he finally agreed.

"Fine, but Maybourne will still be looking into Hanson's contacts and background, and the moment he finds the tiniest lead, I'm pulling you out of there."

"Yes Sir!" Sam mock saluted. Jack just chuckled.

"Well, off to Colorado Springs we go! We have some acting to do! Oh and a slight suggestion, our plan stay between the three of us. If Daniel and Teal'c don't know it will make things more authentic." Jack stood to get up.

Everyone left, Maybourne in a cab, Jack and Sam in another bus, to begin this unwanted adventure.

((AN: Argh! I know this chapter is painfully short, but the next will be MUCH easier to write.))