Jack had been at home when he received Tom's call, and his heart nearly stopped when he saw the photo of Sam. The confirmation from Tom brought a mix of emotions—relief, urgency, and determination.
"She's there, Jack. I've got confirmation. How do you want to proceed?" Tom asked, his voice carrying the weight of the situation.
Jack knew exactly how he wanted to proceed, his resolve unwavering.
"I'll be there as soon as possible, Tom. I'm bringing Daniel and Teal'c, two of Sam's colleagues who are aware of her situation. They can handle themselves, and I trust them with my life," he replied firmly.
In his hotel room, Tom was in the process of cleaning his gun as he listened to Jack's plan.
"Okay, tell me at what time you'll arrive, and I'll pick you up. I suppose you're going to need guns?" Tom asked casually, though he was well aware of the gravity of the situation.
Jack was already packing, a sense of urgency in his actions.
"Yes, lots of them. Heavy artillery, you know the drill," he confirmed.
Tom nodded, though Jack couldn't see it over the phone.
"Yeah, I know what you like. I'll be waiting," he said before hanging up.
After tossing the phone onto his bed, Jack finished packing his gear and then called Daniel and Teal'c, instructing them to pack and head to his house immediately. His tone left no room for hesitation or questions—it was time to rescue Samantha Carter, and their mission was clear.
The military plane flew through the night sky, its engines humming softly in the background. Inside, the atmosphere was tense and focused. Jack sat in one of the seats, his brow furrowed with concentration, his mind running through the mission's details. Daniel sat nearby, his expression a mix of anxiety and concern for their friend, Sam. Teal'c, ever the stoic warrior, sat with a determined look on his face, not bothering with words at the moment.
As the plane descended and touched down on the base in New Jersey, Tom was waiting for them as arranged. Jack had gone through the necessary channels to secure Tom a special permit for entry. They disembarked from the plane and quickly made their way to the black, powerful SUV that Tom had rented for this mission.
Tom greeted them with a nod, and without wasting any time, he took the driver's seat and started the engine. The atmosphere inside the vehicle was heavy with anticipation as they made their way to the rented safe house.
Upon arriving at the house, they discovered several cases of ammunition and an assortment of weapons neatly arranged. Jack's keen eye caught sight of a military medical kit on the kitchen countertop. He walked up to Tom, placing a hand on his shoulder, and simply said, "Thank you." The gratitude in his voice was evident, acknowledging Tom's efforts in preparing for this mission.
Jack began inspecting the weapons, his experience shining through as he examined each one meticulously. Daniel and Teal'c joined him, silently following Jack's lead. Teal'c's displeasure about not being allowed to bring his staff weapon was palpable, but he understood the necessity of discretion in this mission.
The room was filled with an aura of readiness and determination as the team prepared for the task ahead. The quietness was only broken by the occasional clink of weapons being checked or the rustling of supplies. They knew the mission was critical, and every detail counted.
Daniel finally decided to address the pressing issue. Adjusting his vest, he turned to Jack, his eyes searching for a plan.
"So how are we doing this, Jack?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Jack, focused on preparing his sidearm, glanced up at Daniel. He noticed how the years had transformed the archaeologist, giving him a more robust and less fragile appearance.
"I was thinking of ringing the douchebag's doorbell," Jack replied casually.
Both Daniel and Tom simultaneously exclaimed, "WHAT?!" in disbelief, their voices overlapping. Teal'c, the ever-calm warrior, merely raised one eyebrow, silently observing the conversation.
Jack continued, attempting to explain his logic.
"Look, guys, listen to me. The Russian had to threaten Sam with something. Let's say it was with me. Call me pretentious, I don't care. But don't you think if I show up at his front door, he will be at least intrigued and open the door? At least I'll be inside," he reasoned calmly.
Tom shook his head, voicing his concern.
"Alone and unarmed," he pointed out, emphasizing the potential danger.
Jack nodded, acknowledging the risk.
"Yes, but that gives you guys time to enter. I'll be the distraction. I'll promise not to behave," he said with a grim determination.
Daniel, however, was not convinced and expressed his reservations.
"I don't like this plan at all, Jack," he stated firmly.
Turning to Teal'c for his input, Jack asked, "What about you, T? Do you think it's a crazy plan?"
Teal'c, still inspecting an M16, didn't hesitate in his response.
"You are the one who is walking there alone. I'll assist in any manner I can, O'Neill after that," he declared.
Jack's face broke into a satisfied smile as he turned to the others.
"See?" he asked, seeking their approval.
The plan had been drawn, and despite the doubts and concerns, the team had made their decision. The room was now filled with a sense of resolve as they prepared to put their risky plan into action.
As the days passed in captivity, Sam's sense of isolation and frustration grew with each passing moment. Unaware of the rescue plan being formulated for her, she found herself trapped in a suffocating routine. Vlad had seemingly lost interest in her, only occasionally appearing to correct minor glitches in the program he had forced her to work on.
The hours stretched long and unending, and Sam had become a prisoner of her thoughts. With her laptop confiscated, she had no means of keeping herself occupied, and the confines of the bedroom began to feel like a prison cell. She would often find herself lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in her thoughts and the overwhelming sense of helplessness.
Her futile attempts to find an escape route had all failed, leaving her with a growing sense of despair. She knew she needed to remain patient and hopeful for her eventual rescue, but the days of isolation and uncertainty were taking their toll on her mental and emotional well-being.
The only interaction she had was with Fyodor, who would bring her meals. It was a brief and impersonal exchange, and it only served to remind her of her captivity. Her frustration reached a breaking point, and she felt like she was teetering on the edge of insanity, trapped in a never-ending nightmare with no end in sight. Sam's resilience was being tested, and the weight of her situation was becoming almost unbearable.
The early morning darkness shrouded the scene as the team prepared for their daring rescue mission. After careful surveillance and assessing the routines of the house, they had determined that the best window of opportunity was in the early hours when Vlad typically slept in, and the house only came to life around 1100.
Inside the SUV, Jack was getting himself ready, his face etched with determination. He addressed the team with a stern but heartfelt message.
"Look, I want to make one thing clear. The mission here is to get Sam out of this place. That's all that matters. Don't worry about me. Get her and take her out safely." His voice carried a trace of emotion that he couldn't quite conceal, given the gravity of the situation. Everyone inside the vehicle understood the weight of those words.
Teal'c, ever reliable, responded firmly, "Don't worry, O'Neill. I'll take care of Colonel Carter's safety." His unwavering commitment to their mission was evident.
Tom, who remained at the wheel, voiced his concern.
"Are you sure about this, Jack? You'll be all alone..." His eyes remained fixed on the mansion's gate, his worry evident in his voice.
Jack nodded, adjusting his black BDUs and jacket. He had chosen to dress for the mission, looking like a seasoned operative, though he left his vest behind. His sidearm would remain in the SUV. "Yeah. And I'm ready, so you guys should go," he replied, a sense of resolve in his voice. "Get her home", he said.
With those parting words, Jack opened the SUV door and stepped out, moving purposefully toward the imposing front gate of the mansion. Despite the danger and the odds stacked against him, he carried himself with a calm determination, knowing that their mission hinged on his distraction. The team watched him disappear into the early morning shadows, their hopes and prayers resting on his shoulders as they prepared to execute their plan to bring Sam home safely.
As Jack approached the imposing gate of the mansion, he couldn't help but notice the security cameras adjusting their positions, tracking his every move. Undeterred, he waved and offered a friendly smile. After a tense pause, the massive gate slowly creaked open, revealing three imposing figures, heavily armed.
The tallest of the three-spoke first, his voice carrying a heavy Russian accent as he demanded, "Who are you, and what do you want?" His posture was menacing, and his blue eyes bore into Jack.
Jack, seemingly unperturbed, casually put his hands in his pockets and adopted a nonchalant demeanor.
"Good morning, folks. I was passing by and saw this nice house. I was wondering if it was for sale. I need a bigger house, and I liked this one," he said with a disarming smile, his tone seemingly friendly.
The three men exchanged bewildered glances, clearly taken aback by Jack's bizarre inquiry. The smallest among them, covered with tattoos except on his face, couldn't contain his frustration and shouted, "Get the fuck out of here!" Their patience wearing thin.
Jack, however, remained steadfast, his smile fading.
"Not for sale?" he asked, raising an eyebrow with a hint of sarcasm. "Don't you need to check that out with your boss, Count Vlad?" His tone shifted from friendly to assertive, his demeanor now commanding.
The largest of the three men stepped forward, his face contorted into a more menacing expression.
"What are you talking about? Who are you?" he demanded, his blue eyes scrutinizing Jack from head to toe.
Without hesitation, Jack removed both hands from his pockets and identified himself forcefully, "Brigadier General Jack O'Neill, US Air Force. I believe your boss wanted to talk to me." His words hung in the air, leaving an undeniable tension.
The three men immediately shifted their posture, their fingers inching closer to their triggers. Jack maintained his unwavering gaze, addressing each of them individually.
"So, are you letting me in, or do I have to punch all of you?" he asked, his confidence evident.
The trio engaged in a hurried exchange in rapid Russian, clearly discussing their next move. The smallest of them retrieved a walkie-talkie from his vest and engaged in a brief conversation. Finally, he pointed his gun toward the mansion and ordered, "Walk."
With a resigned sigh, Jack complied, flanked by two of the armed men, while the third remained behind. He could only hope that the diversion he had created had given his team the opportunity they needed to make their move.
As Jack stepped through the entrance of Vladimir's mansion, he found himself immersed in a world of opulence and extravagance that matched the grandeur of the exterior. The interior was a testament to Vladimir's wealth and taste, with every detail meticulously designed to exude luxury.
The walls were adorned with rich, deep-red wallpaper, featuring intricate golden patterns and designs reminiscent of traditional Russian decor. Elaborate chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow throughout the foyer. The marble floors beneath his feet were polished to a mirror-like sheen, reflecting the grandeur of the surroundings.
Golden accents and intricate detailing adorned every corner of the room, from the ornate picture frames that held portraits of what Jack guessed were Vladimir's ancestors to the gilded trim that lined the doorways. The furniture was plush and regal, upholstered in luxurious fabrics that matched the overall color scheme, creating an air of sophistication.
Jack couldn't help but notice the exquisite Russian art pieces that adorned the walls, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative vases, all of which spoke to the cultural richness of the mansion's owner. The atmosphere was one of grandeur and excess, reflecting Vladimir's opulent lifestyle. Jack thought he just had too much money and horrible taste.
As Jack ventured further into the mansion, he knew that beneath this facade of wealth and luxury lay the dark and sinister purpose they were here to confront. The stark contrast between the opulent decor and the troubling circumstances made the mission all the more urgent.
Jack was led through the lavish mansion to what appeared to be an opulent office. The room was adorned with an excess of golden decor, reminiscent of the grandiosity of Ba'al's chambers, and it immediately struck Jack as excessive.
Suddenly, a tall, lean man entered the room, dressed in pajamas and a silk robe. Jack recognized him immediately by the distinctive scar that marred his face and the neck and chest covered with tattoos. The man greeted Jack with a false smile, his three imposing bodyguards remaining nearby.
"General O'Neill. What an unexpected pleasure!" Vlad exclaimed with feigned warmth.
Jack, not one to beat around the bush, sighed heavily and got straight to the point.
"I heard you were looking for me," he stated matter-of-factly.
Vlad took a seat behind his desk, interlocking his long fingers as he leaned back. He regarded Jack with a curious expression.
"Oh... and where did you hear that?" he inquired, a hint of intrigue in his voice.
Jack, seemingly unfazed by the situation, glanced around the room before focusing back on Vlad. "You know, here and there. Did you hire an interior decorator, or did you choose those things yourself?" he asked, a touch of curiosity in his tone. His comment about the excessive golden decor seemed to catch Vlad off guard.
Vlad blinked several times, clearly taken aback by the unexpected question.
"What?" he sputtered, confusion evident in his response.
Jack continued, maintaining his nonchalant demeanor, "I'm curious. Why all this gold? Is it a fetish or something?" His comment was laced with a hint of mockery, and it visibly irritated Vlad.
Vlad's face flushed with anger.
"Do you have any idea to whom you are talking?" he demanded, his fury mounting.
Jack, seemingly unimpressed, casually scratched his chin and retorted, "Yeah, I know who you are, Vlad. You have terrible taste, by the way." Jack's fearless attitude and unexpected comments seemed to rile Vlad even further, setting the stage for a tense confrontation in the opulent office.
Vlad, momentarily stunned by Jack's comments, appeared to be at a loss for words. It took him a moment to regain his composure, but when the realization struck him, his face lit up with a sinister understanding. He swiftly issued orders to his bodyguards in Russian, and two of them left the room, leaving only Fyodor behind. Vlad, now smiling, turned his attention back to Jack.
"You have to forgive me, General," Vlad began, his tone almost mocking. "I'm normally asleep at this time, so my brain is a little slow. I also had too much vodka last night. It took me some time to realize why you are here. Nice plan, by the way," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Jack, maintaining his façade of nonchalance, raised an eyebrow.
"Like I told your muscled friend outside, I was just seeing houses. Yours seemed the best in the block," he replied with a wry smile, playing along with Vlad's charade.
Vlad's smile widened, showing a hint of amusement.
"I quite like your sense of humor. It's almost Russian," he remarked, clearly enjoying the exchange.
But the mood shifted when Vlad glanced at Fyodor, who shook his head in response to an unspoken question. Vlad's tone grew more menacing as he spoke, "I'm afraid we'll have to wait a little longer. My guest isn't ready yet."
Jack's smile faded, replaced by a steely resolve.
"If she's harmed in any way, you are a dead man," he warned his voice icy and filled with determination.
Vlad, seemingly unfazed, spread his arms theatrically.
"Oh, so no more smiles or jokes, General?" he taunted, relishing the tension in the room.
The sudden opening of the door drew their attention. Jack refrained from turning around, but his heart skipped a beat as he sensed Samantha Carter's presence. Firmly secured by two of Vlad's bodyguards, Sam stood almost next to him, still dressed in her pajamas and barefoot. The exhaustion in her eyes, evident by the dark circles beneath them, told Jack that she had endured sleepless nights. She wasn't looking at him though, her gaze distant and vacant.
"I believe you two know each other very well," Vlad said with a sinister smile, cementing the gravity of the situation. Jack's focus shifted entirely to Sam, his concern and determination intensifying as they faced the critical moment of their reunion.
Vlad's amusement at the discomfort between Jack and Sam was noticeable, and he reveled in the tension that had settled in the room, finding it far more satisfying than he had expected. He couldn't resist taking another jab at their predicament.
"So no kisses?" he asked with a teasing tone, a mocking glint in his black eyes. Jack responded with a withering stare, his patience wearing thin, while Sam continued to avoid eye contact, her gaze fixed firmly on the floor.
Vlad couldn't hide his surprise at their reaction.
"I confess that this reaction is a surprise, my dear Samantha," he remarked, addressing the scientist who had remained silent since entering the office. Sam, however, didn't offer a response, her body rigid with tension.
With a nod to his bodyguards, Vlad ordered them to force Sam to look at him. Her resistance was evident, but they succeeded in making her face Vlad directly. He couldn't help but enjoy the power he held over her.
"Now, much better," Vlad remarked with a smirk. He teased Sam, noting her silence. "So tell me, Samantha. You have your General here, in a total surprise visit and you don't even say a 'hello'?" he prodded, attempting to elicit a reaction.
Sam bit her lip but remained steadfastly silent. Jack, growing increasingly anxious and concerned for her well-being, tried to divert Vlad's attention.
"I was under the impression it was me you wanted," he interjected.
Vlad turned his gaze toward Jack, his smile never fading.
"Well, you are quite wrong, General. You never interested me," Vlad explained, enjoying the tension in the room. "All I wanted was the ever-brilliant, no longer Colonel Samantha Carter. You were just my insurance policy."
"Insurance policy?" Jack asked, his confusion evident.
Vlad's smile broadened as he turned to Sam, who had grown noticeably paler.
"Well, I suppose she isn't talking, so I have to explain everything," he mused. "Yes, General, you were my insurance policy in case Samantha didn't do what I asked her to do. You see, she is quite stubborn. She didn't accept my money and wasn't lured by the charms of any of the men I sent after her, so I had to be more dramatic. I had to use you. You are her weak point. I just had to threaten to kill you, and she accepted on the spot," Vlad explained with a twisted sense of pride, revealing the depths to which he was willing to go to achieve his sinister goals.
Jack's heart raced as he absorbed the unexpected revelation. His suspicions had lingered in the back of his mind, but hearing the truth spoken aloud was a jolt to his system. He stole a glance at Sam, whose avoidance of eye contact confirmed the uncomfortable reality of the situation. Plans had gone awry, and Jack knew he had to think on his feet.
Without warning, Jack sprang to his feet, a sudden move that sent shockwaves through the room, surprising everyone present. His lips curled into a forced smile as he addressed Vlad, trying to maintain his composure in the face of the unexpected bombshell.
"So, Vlad, are you sure the house isn't for sale?" he inquired, his tone masking the turmoil within.
Vlad's reply came in a rapid stream of Russian, laden with words that Jack was reasonably certain were far from compliments or endearments. He let out a resigned sigh and muttered to himself, "Okay, then," as he moved swiftly into the next phase of his impromptu plan.
In a swift, calculated motion, Jack unleashed a powerful punch aimed at the bodyguard who had been restraining Sam. The force behind the blow was staggering, causing the Russian to crumple and release his grip on Sam. Sam stumbled backward, thrown off balance, and the other bodyguard, caught by surprise, pushed against a nearby table and tumbled to the floor.
Jack wasted no time. He continued to rain punches upon the first bodyguard, determined to incapacitate him. Vlad's frantic cries for reinforcements filled the room, creating chaos as Jack fought to create an opening for their escape. Finally, seizing the opportunity, he grabbed Sam's trembling hand and, with urgency in his movements, hurriedly led them out of Vlad's office.
The atmosphere in the room had shifted from an uncomfortable confrontation to a chaotic brawl, with Vlad's enraged shouts echoing in the background as they made their escape.
Outside Vlad's office, Jack was confronted by a scene of chaos and gunfire. Daniel and Teal'c were in the midst of a fierce firefight with Vlad's guards. A bullet whizzed dangerously close to Jack's head, prompting him to instinctively pull Sam behind a nearby wall, shielding her with his own body.
"Are you hurt?" Jack asked with genuine concern as he held Sam close, his eyes searching her for any signs of injury.
"No," she replied tersely, avoiding his gaze and keeping her emotions tightly in check.
Jack's frustration mounted, and he took decisive action. Using a firm grip on her chin, he gently forced her to meet his eyes.
"Look, Sam, I don't care what you've done," he said in a commanding tone, his voice tinged with both urgency and care. "I do need you now, so stop with this and focus, Colonel."
Sam swallowed hard, her emotions roiling beneath the surface. She gave a low, subdued "Yes, Sir" in response to his orders, her military training kicking in.
Jack's heart ached as he observed her struggle, but there was no time to dwell on their complicated situation. He scanned the area, desperately searching for an exit or any sign of their ally, Tom.
"Where's the exit of this place?" he asked, trying to piece together a plan.
"I don't know," Sam admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was kept locked in a bedroom". She felt overwhelmed by guilt and regret for the choices she had made that led to this predicament. And he had come to rescue her despite all. She just wanted to disappear.
Suddenly, Jack felt Sam's body go limp against him, and panic surged through him.
"Sam, don't you faint on me," he ordered urgently, his heart racing. He knew they needed to find a way out and fast, but first, he had to get her to safety. With a muttered expletive, he scooped her up in his arms, determined to find a way out of the treacherous situation they found themselves in.
Jack's whistle cut through the chaos, catching Teal'c's attention amidst the firefight. The big Jaffa swiftly created a path through the mayhem with precise shots, making his way to where Jack stood with Sam in his arms. Concern etched across his features, Teal'c asked, "Is Colonel Carter hurt?"
Jack shook his head, relieved that Sam's injuries were not physical.
"No, she just fainted," he explained hurriedly. "Here, take her, and give me your weapon."
Teal'c carefully accepted Sam into his strong arms, cradling her with the gentleness that belied his imposing stature. Meanwhile, Jack took Teal'c's weapon and, with determined resolve, began to methodically open a path by returning fire and neutralizing Vlad's men.
Their efforts were bolstered as Daniel and Tom joined the fray, their weapons adding a layer of firepower that rapidly thinned the ranks of Vlad's guards. In a matter of minutes, they had fought their way through the perilous mansion, and the front door lay ahead as their ticket to freedom.
Amidst the ongoing firefight, their camaraderie and teamwork shone brightly as they navigated the chaos, a united front against the formidable opposition. With determination and skill, they pressed forward until, at last, they reached the front door and then the gate, escaping from Vlad's mansion and into the uncertain safety of the outside world.