During their work within the secure confines of SGC, Sam, and Jack no longer had Tom with them. Following instructions from Homeworld Security directly, he had left the base, armed with a generous fund provided by General Hammond. Tom's mission? To trace the whereabouts of Vladimir and his gangsters.
Tom's journey took him out of Colorado Springs and back to New Jersey, where he began his quest to locate Vladimir. He knew this endeavor would be no easy task, and he was prepared to use the resources and funding to get the job done like he had the first time.
His initial investigations revealed an unsettling truth - the grand mansions that once seemed occupied by Vladimir and his associates were now eerily empty. It appeared that the Russians had abruptly abandoned New Jersey, leaving behind only traces of their former presence.
Through his network of contacts and a generous payout to incentivize cooperation, Tom managed to piece together a fragmented story. Vladimir had made a significant decision. He had divided his formidable group into two distinct factions.
The first group had a specific, deadly mission. They were tasked with targeting and eliminating both General O'Neill and Samantha Carter. This revelation sent shivers down Tom's spine. The Russians prioritized neutralizing these two individuals, which was undoubtedly a payback for Sam's betrayal and Jack's rescue.
The second group, on the other hand, had a different mission entirely. They were to continue their regular criminal activities, presumably back in their new base of operations in Nevada. Tom suspected that this meant they would continue their illicit ventures.
With this critical information, Tom urgently conveyed it to Jack immediately. It was clear that the situation was dire. There was a real possibility that a Russian gangster hitman team was on its way to Colorado Springs, aiming to carry out their deadly mission against Jack and Sam and possibly more. Tom knew that time was of the essence.
The simultaneous explosion of Samantha Carter's home and Jack O'Neill's sent shockwaves through the quiet community of Colorado Springs, leaving everyone bewildered and anxious. It was a jarring event that occurred unexpectedly, catching both the residents and the authorities off guard.
The blasts occurred moments before Tom could make a critical phone call to warn Jack about the high likelihood of Vladimir Babanian's team operating in the area. However, fate had other plans, and the explosions disrupted the quiet suburban neighborhood.
Thankfully, Sam and Jack had not been at their respective homes when the explosions occurred. They had stayed at the SGC since their recent return from Washington, D.C.. This wise decision from General Hammond had spared their lives, but unfortunately, their neighbors weren't as fortunate. While there were no casualties, the damage to neighboring houses was substantial, leaving many residents in shock and needing assistance.
Upon receiving Tom's warning, Jack took the matter personally. He was determined to ensure that the United States Air Force would take full responsibility for all the repairs and healthcare costs incurred by the affected residents. He knew he had a fight on his hands, but he relentlessly sought justice for his neighbors and friends.
As Jack's concern for Sam's safety grew, he made it clear that she was not to leave the secure confines of the Cheyenne Mountain Complex under any circumstances. Equally concerned for Jack's safety, Sam issued the same order to him. The explosion disrupted their lives and heightened their awareness of the danger posed by Vlad and his team.
In the meantime, Tom returned to Colorado Springs and initiated a discreet investigation to pinpoint locations where Vlad's men might be hiding. He knew that time was of the essence, and he needed to act swiftly. Jack, recognizing the urgency of the situation, dispatched a group of trusted airmen dressed in civilian attire to assist Tom in his efforts.
And so, the hunt for Vladimir Babanian had officially begun. Jack, Sam, and their dedicated team were determined to bring him to justice and end the threat that had suddenly erupted in their peaceful community. The days ahead would be filled with tension, uncertainty, and a relentless pursuit of the elusive enemy.
Tom's mission to locate Vlad's men proved to be a challenging and frustrating endeavor. He and his team had combed practically every corner of Colorado Springs, leaving no stone unturned, yet they found no trace of the elusive enemy. It became increasingly evident that Vlad's men were not staying in the Springs but only appeared for specific, targeted missions, such as the explosions at Sam and Jack's houses. This realization meant that Tom needed to widen the scope of his search, making the task even more daunting.
Meanwhile, inside the secure confines of SGC, a separate but equally critical operation was underway—the mole hunt. The individuals suspected of being involved in espionage or assisting Vlad's team had been apprehended and were now undergoing intensive questioning.
Jack was in his office, poring over the transcripts of these interrogations, when Daniel entered without waiting for permission.
"Mind if I interrupt?" Daniel asked, taking a seat without ceremony.
Jack, clearly preoccupied, raised an eyebrow but set his papers aside. He replied with a hint of sarcasm, "Well, it is good to know that I'm still the man in charge of this place."
Daniel sighed, understanding the tension in the air.
"You do know everyone is going slightly crazy with the lockdown, don't you?" he remarked.
Jack ran a hand through his hair, which was in dire need of a haircut.
"I know, but it's necessary until Tom or General Hammond find anything about that asshole," he replied wearyingly.
Daniel interlocked his fingers and leaned forward.
"I know, I know, but being inside this mountain for so long is starting to be challenging, Jack. People are starting to complain..."
Jack placed both hands on his desk, his frustration evident.
"What do you want me to do? Send them out there and wait for them to get kidnapped or worse? Because at this point, I don't think it's just me and Sam who have a target on our backs. Everyone in the mountain can be used as bait. These people don't mess around, as you are well aware," he stated firmly. "And I can't exactly have the Army in the city here without drawing attention to the Program, so we have to do things discretely."
Daniel nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
"I know that Jack, but they don't. We haven't told them exactly why the base is in lockdown. Just that it was classified," he explained.
Jack waved his hand in despair.
"Well, Daniel, this is a top-secret base. We have a damn Stargate in our basement! What do they expect?! It's not the first time we've been in lockdown..." he retorted.
Daniel got up and started to pace, clearly torn by the situation.
"All true. I'm just telling you what I've been hearing. That is all, Jack," he said.
Jack leaned back in his chair, his expression weary and reflective.
"And I appreciate it, Daniel. I'm also aware of the protests, not to my face, but behind my back. I'm fully aware that I'm not Mr. Popularity at the moment," he admitted with a touch of sadness.
Daniel gazed out the window in Jack's office, contemplating the situation.
"It's not your fault," he offered reassuringly.
Jack shrugged his shoulders with a hint of resignation.
"I'll ask the cafeteria to increase the number of cakes; maybe that will help," he quipped.
Daniel couldn't help but laugh at Jack's attempt to lighten the mood.
"I'm not sure more sugar is the answer to discontent personnel," he replied with a smile.
Jack shrugged again, wearing a faint grin.
"It is to me," he said, highlighting his unique coping mechanism in adversity.
Tom's relentless search for Vlad's men had nearly reached a breaking point when a stroke of luck finally pointed him in the right direction. He was in a supermarket in Pueblo, going about his business, when two individuals in the store caught his attention. These men were imposing figures, towering in height and muscle, and their heavily tattooed heads and hands covered with baseball hats were an apparent attempt to disguise their appearances. Their attire, however, made them stand out even more—impeccable suits and ties in a casual setting, a rather conspicuous choice. Tom's instincts told him that he might have stumbled upon something significant.
Tom's suspicions continued to rise as the two men shopped, filling their cart with items like vodka and sodas. He decided to discreetly tail them, careful not to draw attention to himself. Exiting the store, he watched them as they entered a large SUV. Tom slipped into his truck and followed them without hesitation, maintaining a safe but vigilant distance.
The drive took them several miles from the supermarket, and Tom continued to shadow them, determined to uncover their destination. Finally, the men pulled into a three-story apartment complex with many units. The place appeared upscale, which further piqued Tom's interest. He parked his truck safely, close enough to maintain a clear view of the unit they entered. With his phone at the ready, he discreetly snapped several photos of the location and the SUV.
Realizing the situation's urgency, Tom wasted no time and immediately dialed Jack's number. He knew this could be a crucial breakthrough in their hunt for Vlad's men, and he needed to share the information with his friend. The images and the location he had gathered might lead them one step closer to capturing the elusive enemy.
The tension was high as Tom awaited Jack's response, hoping this discovery would bring them closer to getting Vlad and his team to justice.
Upon receiving Tom's call and the images of the apartment complex, Jack felt a surge of determination and urgency. He believed they were finally on the right track to apprehend Vlad's men. Without hesitation, he made a crucial judgment call. He decided to lead a team to Tom's location and confront the individuals they had been tracking.
Jack's first calls were to Daniel and Teal'c. He knew that involving Sam would be met with resistance, as her safety was his paramount concern. He informed Daniel and Teal'c of Tom's findings and his plan to move swiftly. They both agreed to join him in this operation, understanding the gravity of the situation. Daniel warned Jack that Sam would be furious when she found out, but Jack was willing to face her anger if it meant keeping her safe.
With their decision made, they moved quickly and discreetly within SGC. They assembled an assault team, ensuring they were equipped and prepared for the operation ahead. Keeping their actions hidden from Sam was challenging, but they were determined to minimize any risk to her.
As they geared up and coordinated their movements, Jack, Daniel, and Teal'c took extra precautions to maintain secrecy. They understood the potential consequences of their mission being compromised, as the base might be under surveillance. A column of armed vehicles leaving the base would undoubtedly raise suspicions and potentially tip off whoever was at the apartment complex.
Jack contacted Tom to inform him of their impending arrival and stressed the need for haste. Understanding the urgency, Tom promised to maintain a watchful eye on the situation. With their preparations complete, Jack, Daniel, Teal'c, and their team left SGC, hoping that this operation would bring them closer to capturing Vlad's men and ending the threat they posed.
The atmosphere was charged with tension and determination as they set out, knowing that the safety of their colleagues and the security of their base hung in the balance.
Sam entered Jack's office, expecting to find him there, but was surprised to see it empty. She approached Walter Harriman's desk, a sense of curiosity tinged with concern.
"Where's General O'Neill?" she inquired, noting Walter's slightly uncomfortable demeanor.
Walter swallowed nervously, realizing he had a difficult task ahead.
"Well, Colonel, the General is currently absent..." he began, his voice trailing off as he braced himself for her reaction.
Sam's eyes widened at Walter's words, a mixture of surprise and worry washing over her.
"He's what?" she demanded, her tone sharp and filled with urgency.
Walter cleared his throat, struggling to find the right words.
"I just know that he left the mountain with an armed team. Dr. Jackson and Teal'c were with him," he replied, his words almost stammered as he watched her reaction.
Sam's face paled, and she felt her knees weaken. The implications of Jack's sudden departure were sinking in rapidly.
"He left the mountain?" she asked, her voice trembling with shock and disbelief.
Walter nodded solemnly, unable to meet her eyes.
"Yes, Colonel. About half an hour ago," he confirmed, glancing at his wristwatch to provide the timing.
A rush of emotions surged within Sam. She knew what this meant – Jack had gone after Vlad, and he had left her behind at SGC. Her mind raced, and anger started to well up inside her. She quickly found a chair and grabbed its back, struggling to process it.
"Thanks, Walter," she managed to say, though her voice held a tone of frustration and determination as she left the room. She took several deep breaths in the corridor, attempting to regain her composure. The reality of the situation weighed heavily on her, and her thoughts turned to Jack.
"Goddamn Jack," she muttered aloud, her frustration and concern evident in her tone. She had a lot to sort out emotionally and practically after Jack's unexpected departure.
Jack O'Neill's arrival at the apartment complex referred to by Tom was executed with military precision. As the vehicles came to a halt, Jack, Daniel, Teal'c, and Tom led the team of armed personnel, swiftly assuming tactical positions. They were determined and prepared for what lay ahead.
With a series of shouts and a few gunshots fired, Jack and his well-trained team quickly controlled the situation. It became evident that they had struck gold – the apartment they had entered was a safe house used by Vlad's men. Inside, several other individuals were caught off guard and asleep, their surprise evident as they were apprehended.
Among the occupants, there was one casualty – a deceased gangster. He had no mourners; his fate seemed to be of little concern to anyone present. Jack wasted no time, giving orders to detain all the Russians and transport them back to SGC for questioning.
After ensuring that everyone on his side was safe and unharmed, Jack took a moment to express his gratitude to Tom for his crucial efforts in leading them to this breakthrough. Tom's information had played a pivotal role in their successful operation.
Following the operation, Jack called General Hammond to inform him of the situation. He assured Hammond that he would keep him apprised of any developments arising from the interrogations. Unfortunately, Vladimir Babanian himself was not among the detained men. However, Jack knew that they had delivered a significant blow to Vlad's operation, and it was only the beginning.
With their mission accomplished, Jack and his team swiftly returned to SGC before local authorities arrived. Jack had no intention of providing explanations or dealing with bureaucratic red tape; he had taken matters into his own hands to protect the base and its personnel.
