Meanwhile, in the living room, Tom stood watchfully by the window, holding his weapon. Jack entered, concern etched across his face, and asked if there was any problem. Tom closed the curtain, his expression tense.
"We have to move, Jack. This street is quiet, and I've seen too many vehicles passing by in the last couple of hours. I don't like it," he explained.
Jack nodded, trusting Tom's instincts.
"Okay, you're right. We need to move out. I've been thinking. They're going to be checking the civilian airports, and at this point, after everything that happened between her and the Air Force, I can't put Sam on a military plane without drawing too much attention. So this is my plan..." Jack began to explain the details of his strategy for getting Sam out safely.
All three men in the room listened carefully, absorbing the information and discussing the plan's nuances. In the end, they reached a consensus that this was likely the best course of action.
With their decision made, they began gathering their belongings and preparing for their departure, while Jack took on the responsibility of briefing Sam on their plan.
Jack knocked gently on the bedroom door before entering, finding Sam seated in the only chair in the room. She looked up at him with a mix of anticipation and apprehension, ready to hear the details of their escape plan.
As Jack sat on the bed, he carefully explained his plan to Sam. Her initial surprise gave way to a thoughtful nod as she absorbed the details. Without making any comments, she accepted the spare clothes Jack handed her. After Jack left the room to give her privacy to change, Sam went through the process of getting rid of her pajamas and transforming herself into someone less conspicuous.
When Jack returned to the living room, he found the others ready to leave. They had their belongings packed and were prepared for the journey ahead. He checked his backpack and wallet, and they waited for Sam to join them.
Sam emerged from the bedroom a few minutes later, her demeanor markedly different from her usual confident self. She felt a heavy sense of shame in the presence of these men, who had come to her rescue when she was vulnerable and had done very reproachful acts. Her gaze remained downcast, and she struggled to meet their eyes.
Jack sensed her discomfort and decided to break the awkward silence.
"Okay, so let's stick with the plan. No need for introductions, except..." Jack paused and gently took Sam's cold hand in his, prompting her to look at him. "Sam, this is Tom, my friend and the one who found you," he introduced with a warm smile.
Tom stepped forward, standing beside Jack, and Sam finally looked up at the strong, capable man who had played a crucial role in her rescue. She extended her hand hesitantly. "Thanks," she said simply. Tom shook her hand with a nod and replied, "My pleasure."
Jack then glanced at both Daniel and Teal'c, who had remained silently observing the scene. Sam had not made any attempt to greet them, and the tension in the room was noticeable. Teal'c, known for his straightforwardness, broke the silence.
"It is good to see you unarmed, Samantha Carter," he remarked.
Sam looked at Teal'c, her lip trembling slightly, which she quickly bit to regain her composure. "Thanks, Teal'c," she managed to say, her voice filled with gratitude. "I heard you had to carry me. Sorry about that."
Teal'c gave a dignified nod and replied, "As long as you need me, I will be there."
Sam felt a surge of emotion threatening to overwhelm her, but she fought back the tears that welled in her eyes. She knew that if Daniel said anything similar to Teal'c, she might not be able to hold back her tears. Fortunately, Daniel remained quiet.
Jack decided it was time to move forward with their plan. There would be plenty of time for catch-ups and conversations later.
"You go first," he said, addressing the team, "I'll call a taxi once you're gone. Remember, contacts only through the burner. I'll try to get a new one once I'm in D.C.. See you in about one day," he concluded with a reassuring smile.
Tom opened the door and headed directly for the SUV, knowing that they needed to replace it in case Vlad's cameras had captured it on video. Daniel and Teal'c followed suit, leaving Sam and Jack alone in the house for a few moments of private farewell.
In the quiet moments before they had to part ways, Jack held Sam's hands gently, his touch conveying both reassurance and affection. He began the conversation, his voice soft and understanding, "So..."
Sam gripped his hands firmly, her eyes locked onto his.
"I know you don't like this part of the plan, but it's the only way", he continued with a small smile.
"I never said that," Sam protested.
Jack's smile widened as he observed, "We've been having silent conversations for years now, Sam. I know exactly when you don't agree with me without you having to say a word." He winked playfully at her, causing Sam to blush.
"Okay, I don't like it," she admitted, her voice filled with sincerity.
Jack nodded in understanding.
"It's the only way. He's the only man I trust to help us in all this mess. We can rely on him, I'm sure," he said with confidence.
Sam rested her head against his chest, her vulnerability showing as she whispered, "I know, and you're right. But I hate that you'll be all alone because of me. At least you should bring Teal'c with you," she suggested, trying to find a way to ease her worries.
Jack kissed the top of her head, his lips brushing against her hair.
"Because he's so small and doesn't stand out in any way," Jack quipped, his tone lightening the mood.
A reluctant smile tugged at the corner of Sam's lips despite her worries.
"Daniel, then," she offered as an alternative.
Jack shook his head, his expression firm.
"No, I've got to do this alone. They'll be looking for a group, not a single person traveling. Besides, this way, I can use military planes and have more control over the situation," he pointed out.
Sam sighed, reluctantly conceding, "Fine."
Jack gently tilted her chin upward with his hand, making her meet his gaze. "I'll be all right," he reassured her with a warm smile.
"Promise?" Sam asked, her eyes searching his for that extra bit of assurance.
Jack nodded.
"Yes. We'll figure this out, and then we can discuss all the other stuff we have to discuss," he said, leaning in to kiss her gently on the lips.
Sam wrapped her arms around his waist, savoring their final moments together before they had to part ways. It was a bittersweet farewell, knowing that Jack was headed to Washington D.C. to speak with General George Hammond, while they were taking a car journey back to Colorado Springs to avoid being detected at airports. The challenges ahead were daunting, but they faced them with the knowledge that they were a team, ready to overcome whatever obstacles lay in their path.
With their carefully thought-out plan in motion, Tom decided to ditch the SUV they had used while in New Jersey. He chose a crowded supermarket parking lot, a place where the vehicle would blend in with the multitude of cars. Tom parked the SUV inconspicuously and made sure to avoid any surveillance cameras that might have been in the area. No one noticed their actions and the transition went off without a hitch.
Their next step was to acquire a different vehicle that wouldn't draw attention. Tom decided on a minivan, a practical choice that wouldn't stand out. He carefully selected a target and, with skillful precision, executed the switch. Soon, they were on the road again, leaving the abandoned SUV behind.
In the nearest town, Tom rented a powerful and spacious SUV using a fake ID to maintain their anonymity. Once they were safely inside the new vehicle, the four of them continued their journey, heading back to Colorado Springs. The road stretched out before them, a path toward safety and away from the dangers that had pursued them.
The car journey from New Jersey to Colorado Springs was a long and arduous one, marked by tense moments and the ever-present need to remain vigilant. The team had to travel through various states, passing by cities and towns, all the while keeping a low profile to avoid detection. They decided to take breaks only when necessary, constantly aware of the potential threats lurking in the shadows.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties of their journey, there was an unspoken sense of determination among them. As the miles passed beneath the wheels of the SUV, they moved closer to their destination, each passing moment bringing them one step closer to the familiar comforts of home and the hope of a brighter future.
After parting ways with Sam and the rest of the team, Jack had called a taxi to take him to a nearby military air base. Upon arrival, he approached the security checkpoint, his demeanor that of a man on a classified mission. He flashed his military ID, clearly displaying his rank as Brigadier General, and explained that he was assigned to a classified mission that required his immediate presence in Washington D.C. The mention of a classified line to the Pentagon only expedited the process.
The personnel at the air base didn't hesitate to assist him, recognizing the urgency of the situation. Within a matter of hours, Jack was on board a military aircraft, headed for Washington D.C. The flight was swift and efficient, a testament to the military's ability to mobilize quickly when necessary.
Inside the aircraft, Jack tried to rest, his exhaustion evident from the dark circles under his eyes and the weariness in his posture. He hadn't been able to sleep an entire night straight since Sam had disappeared, and the constant worry and uncertainty had taken its toll. However, despite his best efforts to find some respite during the brief flight, his mind remained preoccupied with thoughts of Sam and the challenges they faced.
The hum of the engines and the rhythmic motion of the aircraft did little to ease his restlessness. Jack's thoughts were consumed by the intricate web of secrets and danger they had become entangled in, and the weight of responsibility rested heavily on his shoulders. As he journeyed toward Washington D.C., he knew that the real challenges lay ahead, and he steeled himself for the tasks that awaited him at the Pentagon.
As Jack's plane touched down in Washington D.C., he wasted no time in making his way to the Pentagon. Upon arrival, he promptly requested to be taken to his former commanding officer's office. His appearance had changed on the plane; he had swapped his attire for his familiar SGC BDUs, complete with the General's star that Sam had knitted for him when he had been promoted.
Jack's arrival caught Hammond's secretary off guard; she was on the phone but hung up immediately upon seeing the star on his shoulder. With a warm smile, Jack addressed her, "Hello, is General Hammond free?" Before she could reply, he continued, "Please tell him Brigadier General Jack O'Neill is here and needs to see him. It's an urgent matter."
The secretary nodded and got up, knocking on the closed door and entering to relay the message. In a matter of seconds, General George Hammond's familiar, bald visage appeared. He looked surprised as he exclaimed, "Jack?! What are you doing in Washington?"
Jack raised an eyebrow and offered a smile, thanking Hammond's secretary for her assistance. Both men entered the office of the Head of Homeworld Security, and Jack quietly closed the door. Hammond stood beside his desk, his arms crossed, and a curious but concerned expression on his face.
"What the hell have you done this time?" Hammond asked, a mixture of curiosity and worry in his tone.
Jack took a deep breath, swallowing his apprehension.
"It's not me, Sir. It's Carter," he replied somberly.
Hammond's face immediately hardened with concern.
"Is she all right?" he asked, his concern evident.
Jack ran a hand through his hair, the weight of the situation pressing on him.
"I think it's better if we sit down. It's a long story," Jack said, his voice heavy with the gravity of the situation.