Sam had been so engrossed in her work that she hadn't noticed Vlad approaching until she felt a sharp slap on her arm, rudely jolting her from her concentration. Blinking, she struggled to focus on the situation at hand. Vlad stood in front of her, his expression annoyed, although he spoke to her in fluent English, tinged with the faint traces of his Russian accent.
"Have you done it?" Vlad demanded impatiently.
Sam shook her head, her voice steady despite the mounting tension.
"No. The results aren't satisfactory yet. I need more time to continue trying," she replied, her fingers poised over the keyboard as she prepared to type again.
Vlad's frustration erupted, and he punched her table with force, causing the laptop to teeter dangerously on the edge.
"WHAT?!" he roared, his anger palpable. "I expected results two days ago, Samantha. You told me you were almost there, and now you're telling me you have nothing?" His voice grew even more menacing as he leaned in closer, his scarred face hovering dangerously close to hers.
Sam swallowed hard, acutely aware of the dangerous situation she was in.
"They keep changing the codes, Vlad," she explained, her words deliberate. "I'm fast, but I'm not superhuman. I warned you that this might not work."
In response, Vlad slapped her with such force that she was sent sprawling from her chair, landing painfully on the floor. The taste of blood filled her mouth from the impact. He berated her, shifting the blame onto her for the current setback.
"See what you've made me do?" he accused, running a hand through his thinning hair.
Sam remained on the floor, not moving, as previous experiences had taught her to wait until Vlad permitted her to rise. After a tense moment, Vlad ordered her to get up, reminding her that working on the floor was impractical.
Sam complied, her body trembling, but she made an effort not to display any sign of weakness. She had learned the hard way that vulnerability could be exploited.
"Get me something, Samantha or your precious General gets a bullet in his head," Vlad threatened ominously before abruptly leaving the room, locking the door behind him.
Two tears escaped Sam's eyes, but she quickly wiped them away, refusing to let her emotions interfere with the task at hand. She resumed her work on the laptop, fully aware of the dire consequences of failure and the urgency of her mission to protect the man she loved, even if he remained unaware of her sacrifice.
Jack's desperation and determination were palpable as he faced Tom, his plea weighted with the urgency of the situation.
"Do you have any contacts that might help us with this? I can pay whatever it is necessary," he offered without hesitation, ready to spare no expense when it came to saving Sam's life.
Tom paused, carefully considering the gravity of the situation.
"I might have someone, but it will cost you, Jack. A lot. These guys aren't exactly cheap," he cautioned, fully aware of the price that came with dealing with such dangerous individuals.
Jack's resolve remained unshaken as he affirmed, "Whatever the price is, I'll pay. Give me something more about her whereabouts." His determination to locate Sam and ensure her safety was unwavering.
Tom agreed to do what he could.
"I'll try to find him and see what I can do. I'll get back to you as soon as I can," he promised, recognizing the urgency of the situation.
Jack retrieved the folded paper containing the information he had been given, stowing it securely in his pocket. As he got up and prepared to leave the room, he issued a stern warning to Tom.
"Just don't wait a fucking month."
Exiting the motel room, Jack was met with the biting cold of the night, but he paid it no heed. He climbed into his truck, rested his head on the steering wheel for a moment, and allowed the weight of the situation to sink in. For the first time in years, Jack O'Neill felt on the brink of tears. With a deep breath, he composed himself and started the truck, driving back to Colorado with a singular focus: finding Samantha Carter and bringing her home safely.
As Sam stood in Vlad's opulent office, surrounded by his imposing bodyguards, she felt a surge of anxiety and tension coursing through her. Her military training had taught her to remain composed in the face of danger, but these Russian giants of muscle and arms were something entirely different, and she dared not meet their gaze.
Vlad, on the other hand, was wearing a self-satisfied smile as he carefully examined the results that Sam had presented. The relief washed over him as he found what he was looking for.
"Very well, Samantha. I knew you could do it," he commended her, his tone filled with satisfaction.
Sam stood there in silence, her eyes fixated on Vlad's extravagant golden desk, which bore a striking resemblance to the Goa'uld opulence she had encountered in her previous missions. The irony was not lost on her.
Vlad set the paper down and shifted his attention back to her.
"Now that you've completed the first part of your task, you're allowed to shower and have a nice meal from now on," he declared, gesturing toward one of his bodyguards.
Sam wasn't entirely sure if this was good news or not. She had been toiling away for what she suspected was almost a month without proper rest, no showers, and only minimal food and water. Her windowless room had made it difficult to keep track of time, particularly when she was working tirelessly.
"Fyodor will take you. Go with him," Vlad ordered, dismissing her with a wave of his hand.
Sam took a deep breath, mustering every ounce of her self-control, and obediently followed the towering figure known as Fyodor. She couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead for her and what other sacrifices she would have to make to ensure Jack's safety.
Fyodor, a formidable presence with bulging muscles and a shaved tattooed head, silently led Sam to a surprisingly normal room. It boasted a king-sized bed, windows that allowed natural light to filter in, and, to her immense relief, a bathroom. Without saying a word, he nodded toward the amenities and then closed the door behind her, locking it securely.
Sam took a moment to look around the room, which was adorned with an excessive amount of gold accents. The gilded decorations and furnishings seemed to border on ostentation, and she couldn't help but wonder if these Russians had taken fashion cues from the Goa'uld. The sheer opulence of the room was a stark contrast to the grim circumstances she found herself in or the previous room she had been living in that only had a small bunk bed, a table and chair, and a toilet.
Despite the bizarre surroundings, Sam couldn't deny her immediate need for a shower and some sustenance. Sam entered the bathroom, which was a stark departure from the extravagant gilded decor of the bedroom. It was spacious and efficiently designed, with modern fixtures and white marble countertops. The room was impeccably clean, and the soft, ambient lighting created a serene atmosphere.
She turned on the faucets and let the water run for a moment, adjusting the temperature until it reached the perfect warmth. Sam began to undress, peeling off the clothes she had been wearing for days on end, the remnants of her dedication to her work.
Stepping into the shower, she sighed as the soothing water cascaded over her tired body. She allowed the hot water to wash away the grime and fatigue that had accumulated during her intense efforts to meet Vlad's demands. The steaming shower provided a temporary respite from the ordeal she was enduring.
As Sam stood beneath the refreshing stream, she couldn't help but let her mind wander. Thoughts of Jack filled her thoughts, as they often did during these moments of solitude. She considered what she still needed to do for Vlad to ensure his safety. The weight of the choices she had made pressed heavily on her conscience, but she reminded herself that it was all for the man she loved, even if he remained unaware of the sacrifice she was making.
Lost in contemplation, Sam spent a long time in the bath, mentally preparing herself for the challenges that lay ahead.
Sam emerged from her long-overdue shower, feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. She was pleasantly surprised to find a closet stocked with clothes in her size: regular jeans, comfortable t-shirts, sneakers, and two warm sweatshirts. Clean underwear was also provided, a small luxury that she appreciated.
After changing into the comfortable attire, Sam decided to explore her surroundings further. She approached the windows in an attempt to discern her location. However, her view was obstructed by metal bars over the windows, revealing only a dense forest beyond. It was clear that she was secluded in a remote location, surrounded by trees as far as the eye could see.
With little else to do, she returned to sit on the bed, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. After a while, she decided to knock on the door, eager to ascertain what her next steps might be. Fyodor promptly opened the door, handed her laptop to her, and gestured for her to enter.
"So am I supposed to stay here now?" Sam asked, seeking clarification. Fyodor responded with a simple nod, closing the door behind her and securing the lock. Sam was left stunned, realizing that she might be confined to this room for the foreseeable future.
Setting her laptop on the table near the window, Sam contemplated her situation. Her focus shifted when the door opened once again, and Fyodor reentered the room, this time carrying a tray of food. He placed it on the bed before departing without a word.
Sam's stomach rumbled at the sight of the nourishing meal, and she wasted no time in devouring it. The hearty food provided a welcome respite from the strenuous work she had been doing and helped replenish her energy. Despite the peculiar circumstances, she found herself grateful for the sustenance provided, even if it raised more questions than answers.
As Jack contemplated the puzzle that was Samantha Carter's recent behavior, a mix of emotions swirled within him. He couldn't easily dismiss Tom's words about her involvement with the Russian Mafia and her supposed attraction to "bad boys." While he didn't truly believe those claims, he couldn't deny that Sam's recent actions had left him baffled and concerned.
Jack knew Sam well after eight years of working together. He desperately wanted to believe that the Sam he knew was the real one, not the one who had stormed into his office, acting so out of character and then expressing a desire to leave the Air Force. Her behavior had been completely uncharacteristic, and that troubled him deeply.
A realization struck him: her peculiar behavior during their confrontation in his office. She had almost seemed to beg him to throw her in the brig. It had felt rehearsed, like a carefully planned act. This insight illuminated the puzzle, though many pieces were still missing. He grabbed the phone and called Walter, asking if Colonel Carter's laptop was still at the SGC. Walter agreed to check and retrieve it if necessary.
Now, Jack waited patiently. He was determined to piece together the mystery, especially since it involved the woman he loved. His expertise in solving puzzles was about to be put to the test once more.
Walter entered Jack's office an hour later, carrying Colonel Carter's laptop in a transparent bag labeled "classified." He carefully handed it to Jack and informed him that it had been in the Security Station.
"Thanks, Walter. That's all," Jack replied as he waited to be alone with the laptop. After Walter left, Jack gingerly removed the laptop from its bag and opened it. It immediately prompted him for a password. Jack typed "phishing," a word Sam had once shared with him during a mission when they thought they might not make it back. The laptop sprang to life, displaying the solar system wallpaper Sam had chosen.
Jack observed the neatly organized folders on the left side of the screen, including one labeled "private." He ventured into this folder but found a series of alphanumeric codes instead of recognizable names. Sam's brilliance was evident; she wouldn't make her folders easily accessible. Jack studied the sequences, searching for any association. His gaze settled on one sequence that matched his birthdate, and he clicked it. Once again, the laptop requested a password.
He attempted "phishing," but it was rejected. Frustration washed over him. What would Sam choose as a password for him? Jack tried various options related to his interests, including "Homer," "Simpsons," "Marge," "Star Wars," "Luke," and even "Skywalker," but none were successful. He looked around for inspiration before typing "General" and gaining access.
Jack felt like an intruder as he entered the folder, filled with letters, notes, pictures, and reports all related to him. He swallowed hard, realizing that Sam had poured her heart into these files, sharing her deepest feelings and emotions for him—feelings she had never been able to express in person. She detailed how much she loved him, her struggles with that love, and her fears about his potential response.
Over time, she had reluctantly accepted that she was in love with her commanding officer, even if it meant they could never be together. Jack was the love of her life, and she was certain of that. The realization overwhelmed him, and he felt, for the second time in a short period, on the verge of tears.
Jack couldn't continue reading these intensely personal revelations in the confines of the SGC. He closed the laptop, placed it in his briefcase, shut his laptop, and left his office. He needed to get out, to breathe, to process the depth of Sam's feelings that she had never directly shared with him.
As Sam sat down to work, she couldn't help but think about the dangerous game she was playing. Vlad and the Russian Mafia had cornered her with threats to Jack's life, and she had no choice but to comply with their demands. The situation was dire, and the burden weighed heavily on her.
Vlad's uncle had held a position of great authority and responsibility within the Russian Ministry of Defense. As a high-ranking official, he was privy to classified and sensitive information, including details about the existence of the Stargate program. This knowledge had placed him in a unique and potentially lucrative position, one that he was unable to resist exploiting.
Driven by his greed and the allure of vast wealth, Vlad's uncle had made a fateful decision. He chose to betray his country and compromise national security by sharing the classified information about the Stargate with his brother, Vlad's father. This choice was made despite the inherent risks and the knowledge that his brother was a powerful figure within one of the most influential and dangerous mafia families in the United States.
The uncle's motive was clear: he sought financial gain in exchange for these valuable secrets. He envisioned a future filled with opulence, luxury, and unimaginable wealth, all fueled by the sale of classified intelligence to the highest bidder.
However, greed often blinds individuals to the consequences of their actions. The uncle's betrayal had not gone unnoticed by the Russian authorities, who swiftly uncovered his treacherous dealings. As a consequence, he was swiftly removed from his position and fired from office.
Yet, the damage had already been done. The Russian Mafia had obtained a trove of invaluable information regarding the Stargate, its capabilities, and its potential to unlock new worlds and untold riches. With this knowledge in their possession, they were determined to gain access to the Stargate, regardless of the dangers and obstacles in their path.
The Russian Mafia had embarked on a relentless quest to gain access to the highly classified and coveted Stargate program. In their pursuit of this ultimate power, they attempted various means to infiltrate the program and acquire the knowledge they sought.
Their initial strategy involved targeting several members of the SGC's technical team, hoping to exploit their vulnerabilities and persuade them to cooperate in their nefarious plans. The mafia's agents were skilled at manipulation, bribery, and intimidation, and they found some success in corrupting several tech personnel.
However, they soon encountered a significant obstacle. The task they aimed to accomplish was exceedingly complex and required a deep understanding of advanced scientific principles, alien technology, and the intricacies of the Stargate itself. The SGC's tech team members, while skilled in their respective fields, realized that the mafia's demands were beyond their capabilities. They recognized that only one person possessed the expertise and knowledge necessary to fulfill the mafia's objectives: Colonel Samantha Carter.
Realizing this, the Russian Mafia shifted their focus to Colonel Carter, acknowledging her unparalleled brilliance and unmatched technical acumen. Recognizing her as the linchpin to their plans, they embarked on a mission to capture her, ensuring that she would be forced to work for them in achieving their ultimate goal—access to the Stargate and the riches and power it promised.
Their pursuit of Sam, a highly respected and valued member of the SGC, set in motion a series of events that would forever change her life and the lives of those around her. Her thoughts drifted back to how it all began—their relentless pursuit, the various tactics they had employed to try and manipulate her into cooperating. They had tried seduction, and money and even used her previous relationship with Pete as bait, exploiting her vulnerabilities and fears. But the ultimate threat had been Jack, the man she had silently loved for so long.
The plan they had laid out for her was complex, and the consequences of failure were unthinkable. The Russian Mafia wanted access to the Stargate and then explored it using individuals under their influence who would do whatever they were told, and they believed Sam was the key to achieving their goal. She couldn't afford to make mistakes.
With a heavy heart and a sense of determination, Sam started typing. Her fingers danced across the keyboard as she worked diligently, knowing that time was of the essence. She had to keep up the charade and do whatever it took to save Jack's life, even if it meant compromising her principles and working against everything she had sworn to protect.
Deep down, she hoped that someday she could find a way out of this nightmare and reveal the truth to Jack, but for now, her focus was on the task at hand. They made it chillingly clear to Sam that they held the power to end Jack's life with shocking ease. They provided her with harrowing demonstrations of their capabilities, leaving her with no doubt that they could eliminate him at will. These ominous examples served as stark reminders of the grave consequences she faced if she did not comply with their demands, intensifying the pressure and fear that loomed over her. She had work to do.