| |
New Paths, Old Ways
Disclaimer: Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. I have written this story for entertainment purposes only and no money whatsoever has exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author(s).
Summary: Jack has to rescue Jon from his past
Pairing: J/A, J/S (not too obvious I think)
Spoilers: after season 8 of Stargate and season 3 of NCIS
Category: don't really know, some action, some angst
Content Level: 13+ I suppose
DiNozzo looked up and saw a few men in blue uniforms. No one else seemed to notice. One of them, a tall, gray-haired man, with a black dog at his side, seemed to be in a hurry, the others just trying to keep pace with him.
"Where did the flyboys come from?" asked DiNozzo
Gibbs looked at them, but he didn't seem disturbed and kept on working. McGee seemed more interested in them and Ziva outright stared.
"Are all your generals like him?" she asked
"What do you mean?"
"She means, she likes him, Tony" said McGee.
"Him? He could be her father."
"Oh, believe me, Tony. My father doesn't look like that"
The grey-haired man stood in the middle of the office looking at them.
"I need to speak to Abby. Does anyone know where can I find her?"
"General, why are you asking for her?"
"You're Gibbs, Special Agent Gibbs, right?" Jethro just nodded. "Name is O'Neill and I need her."
"Lucky her" said Ziva under her breath.
"And why is that, Officer David?"
"You know who I am?"
"Apparently." Jack tried to sound calm. "Please, can someone call Abby?"
Gibbs got up and looked O'Neill in the eye, then looked at Tony and nodded for him to call her.
"You still haven't told us why you want her."
"It's personal and urgent."
"Personal as in ..."
"As in personal, Agent!" Jack turned to his aide, Paul Davis. "Paul, have you located Cassie?"
"No, sir, there are two units going to the campus."
"She won't come with them. You go and pick her up."
"Sir..." Paul hesitated "shouldn't we wait until we know something else?"
"Take Homer here" he gave Paul the leash of the black Labrador "and go get her, Paul, I want her at my side at all times. That's an order!"
"With all due respect. No, sir."
"For crying out loud, Paul! Don't go SG-1on me, will you? I need her here"
"And I need to be here to protect you, sir."
"Paul!"
"Sir, if I may. She knows Captain Haley, right?"
"So?"
"The captain has to be at the Pentagon for your conference with the German Ambassador We can call her, tell her to bring Cassandra here and she will still be on time for the meeting"
He didn't say that the general probably wouldn't be there on time but at least Paul thougth that he would have him near by at all time. The general took the phone, looking at Paul. He liked the idea. Paul almost sighed, he was expecting a bigger fight. The man was just plain stubborn in Paul's opinion.
"Jenny? O'Neill here. Change of plans, go to the campus, pick Cassie up and come to NCIS headquarters. Don't tell anyone and don't let anyone follow you." He listened for a moment. "I taught you better than that, Captain Haley!" and then in a calmer tone, he added. "Don't worry Jenny, okay? And hurry, please."
All the NCIS agents were a little non-plussed by the conversation. The only one that seemed at ease was Gibbs, and with half a smile on his face, looked at Paul.
" SG1 on me?"
"Long story."
All of a sudden the elevator door's opened and Abby came out.
"Gibbs you wanted to see me and didn't come down? I was waiting for my Caf-Pow fix." She looked at Jack and smiled brightly. "General Jack!"
"Are you okay?" He asked, hugging her and letting out a sigh.
"Why shouldn't I be?"
"You were with Jon last night."
"Well, not all night."
"Abby!" Gibbs and Jack said at the same time
"Hey!" She smiled. "I've got two handsome keepers." Seeing the look on Jack's face made her stop. "What's wrong?"
"I lost Jon."
"You lost him?" Suddenly a black Labrador came trotting up to her, licking her.
"Homer! What are you doing here? Oh my God! Miss Spacer called you to pick him up."
"Yes, Abby."
"Jon took me home at 2,45, perhaps he overslept." Jack's face told her that he didn't think so. "Wishful thinking."
"Yeah. Gibbs, can we talk somewhere more private?"
"General O'Neill?" A voice from upstairs made them all look up at Director Sheppard.
"Madam Director." said Jack, barely containing his smile, knowing she didn't like to be called like that. "I'm going to need your office."
"It's Director, and you can have it."
"Thank you, Madam Director" Jenny tried to look offended but Jack's smile have always won her over. "I hope it won't be too long, Jenny, but I might need to use your people."
"They will help you, General as long as you keep using my name"
"Madam Director is funny"
"I am sure it is"
"Gee, you are all tied up here in DC. I miss ..."
"General." Paul was trying to get his attention. "Shouldn't we get someone from the Pentagon?"
"No, Paul. There is a mole in there and until I know who it is I won't trust anyone."
"And you trust us?" Gibbs asked.
"Lt. Colonel Griff said you are one of the good guys, that is enough for me."
"Griff made colonel?"
"Yeah! I have my weaknesses sometimes. He is one of the good ones too, real good even for a jarhead."
"Work long with him?" Gibbs asked casually while going up the stairs.
"Almost six years in my last post."
"Your last command, sir." said Paul.
"Only for a year, Paul, then when they realized that even being the Man didn't make me wear this monkey suit either," signaling his dress blue, "they got me here and I have to wear it now." He looked around. "Nice office, Jenny."
"Thanks, General. Okay, what do you need?"
"I need Abby for the moment." He walked over to Abby. "Sweetheart, I need you to remember everything that happened last night." She looked worried. "Don't worry, we'll find him."
"I know." She smiled a little. Between you and Gibbs, I'm sure of it."Then she mischieviously asked. "Everything?"
"You can skip the gory details, Abbs."
"I know that, Gibbs!" She sat near Jack. "He came home at 17:00 hours, actually he didn't come in. He was waiting in the car."
The day before:
Jon was sitting on the car hood, smiling. He loved going out with Abbs, she was funny, intelligent and loved to go out with older men. Technically, she was waaaay older than him but mentally was another thing. Even though Jack and Thor had helped him with Jack's memories he still felt somehow out. He didn't feel like a teenager, not like an old worn out colonel anymore either, which was allowing him to take his own pace. He was really grateful to Jack, the old man had to revive all those bad memories in order to help him, but he never hesitated. And then after a while it started to work and both were getting along much better. They discussed it and decided to change Jack's status from uncle to father, all the incoherence on Jon's file was explained by "security reasons", only keeping the fact that Jack didn't know he existed until three years ago.
And in the meantime Cassie came along, she came to Georgtown University, Jon was studying there and Jack was happy they were together. They explained it to her and she took it very well, it didn't seemed too odd for her and she helped him more that he could imagine. And what surprised him more was that she kept saying that he was helping her too, something about both being weird in this world. Funny, but true and she told him not too think too much over it, which was okay for him.
And then there was Abbs, lovely Abbs. He was feeling quite okay with their relationship and perhaps if everything goes well, he would want something more. Which was strange because she was a brunette and well... okay there she was as lovely as ever, even with the tatoos
"Jon! I told you to wear black!"
"Trousers' are black"
"Not enough black"
"Not enough black? Abby, that is wrong on so many levels. "
"I mean, they could have been black.... sometime ago, now they are..."
"Old. And you like old."
"I like old guys. Not old trousers"
"Really?"
"Stop teasing Jon!"
"Okay"
"And the t-shirt is blue"
"I like blue, and it is dark blue. Inside those places you took me it will be black"
"No it wouldn't, but it would be more dark than the trousers. What about inside?"
"Inside?" Jon started to flush
"YES!!!!"
"Abbs!"
"You are always teasing me, so don't complain."
"I'll never complain." She kissed her
"I am not your sister."
"Right!" He smiled and kissed her again, this time his lips parted and well things started to heat up. "Abbs, we are going or we are going." Signaling the house
"We are going." Kissed his lips and went to the car "This jeep is creepy"
"The car is creepy? Abby have you looked at yourself? "
"Am I creepy?"
"Someone can think"
"Great!!!"
"You are also weird. Which is okay for me, by the way."
"Jon, officially I like you, a lot."
"That is great"
"Really?"
"Yes, because I like you too, much more than I could ever imagine."
"That's so cool. You are so sweet."
"Sweet? Me?" She hit him playfully "Oy!"
"Let's go. We have many people to meet, many thing to do."
"Let's go to see the wizard"
"And" looking at him "I am weird? Gee, Jon we are going to end up married"
"Well that wouldn't be a bad thing." She looked at him. "I am not proposing Abbs" she smiled. "No yet anyway." She was stunned. "Yeah! I still keep the last word." Obviously she hit him and he smiled, `yes life was starting to be good again' he thought.
They went to a cafe where most of the people looked like Abby. And of course there were a few more that had Jon's similar style even some, as Abby keep saying, were even geekier that him `how that sound uh? Wrong yeah but it was his life now' he thouth. He didn't mind were they went, he had fun just being with Abbs and that was very okay with him.
Abby's friends were fun to have around and he was having a good time. They didn't tease him about his age, he certainly was the younger one and they kept having, what he would call "adult conversation" far away from the teenager world he just left behind . As a plus they were very capable to take life not too seriously so he enjoyed the company. They were an array of people with ages between 25 and 40 something.
After eating and drinking more coffee than even Danny could digest, Abby decided it was time to exercise so they went to a club. Not the kind of music he will choose to dance to, but he didn't complain as he was happy were he was, and the company was really great.
"Abby, we should go."
"Yeah! Tomorrow I have to work hard, Gibbs will kill me if I don't have the results on these DNA matches he asked for."
"I should pay a visit to the man and tell him to take much better care of you."
"He takes care of me!"
"He makes you work too hard."
"I love my job."
"I know."
"And I love Gibbs."
"I know."
"And soon I am going to love you if you don't stop."
"That's part of the plan."
"Really? Can you explain the whole plan?"
"Nope Have to keep the surprises. It is more fun to see you face."
"Okay"
"That's my girl" she laugh "I'll take you home and then pick up poor Homer."
"Yeah! He would be tired of Miss Spacer by now, she keeps petting and kissing him."
"Serves him well, for liking everyone at all times."
"You like it."
"Not always Abbs. Damn!!"
"What?"
"Someone is following us."
"Are you sure?"
"Yep. DKW3240. Remember that plate number."
"I'll remember. It's the black sedan?"
"The one and not only"
"Official?"
"They want us to believe. "
"What are you going to do? Call General Jack?"
"The old man would be sleeping, but I have to alert Cass. I'll let her a message"
Present time:
"So he called her in that tinny thing he has as a cell phone. He calls it his communicator, the one Mr. Gray gave him" Jack smiled `ole buddy Thor' and nodded for her to continue. "I have to meet that Mr. Gray sometime, Jon said I would love him."
"Yes, you would Abbs "
"Well he told her to keep an eye out, gave her the car plate and he started to tell what to do, how to "avoid and evade," she said signaling with her fingers "and then he did something to the radio, to try their frequency because there was more than one car and ..."
"I still got the message on my phone."
Said Cassandra Fraiser entering the office and going to Jack, he hugged her and took Homer away from her so she could manipulate the phone. While she was doing that he told Jenny Haley to go to the Pentagon and inform no one that she had seen them, he told her he would call her if they need help. After Haley left, Jack took Cassie's hand to calm her so she could work on the phone and then they heard what Abby told them a moment ago and then the words from the radio
"Crapp!!" Jack and Gibbs said
"What is that?" Asked McGee
"Farsi." Said Ziva
Jack stood up and went out. Cassie closed the door so none of them saw Jack , stopped him, turned him around and took his face looking directly in his eyes as he evened his breath looking at her
"I am here Jack. So are you. And Jon is in Washington. Jack you are here."
"You mother taught you well sweetie" Jack said caressing Cassie's face "Thank you, I needed someone to ..."
"Ground you? She smiled at his face." It is a way to express it."
"Yes it is. You are going for the needles right? Not to shrink people's mind"
"Yep, needles to practice in your but." Trying to relax him
"Thanks, Cass. I don't know ..." His face reflected his struggle.
"Jack, you are in the States and so is Jon."
Gibbs put two and two together easily and realized just what happened. He went out to find them and caught Cassie telling him that.
"And we are going to find him" Jack looked at him. "We'll find him, general"
"Thanks, and it is Jack."
They went back inside the office. Breathing heavy Jack let Cassie help him to sit down and allow Gibbs to take command.
"We'll need information, Ziva!" Gibbs said
"I'll call my contacts."
"DiNozzo!"
"Yes, boss?"
"We need information on all the people that came from the Gulf for the last year."
"Boss?"
"We can narrow it down later with a cross search Tony." Said McGee
"Yes" leaving quickly
"Abbs, what happened later?" Continued Gibbs sitting near her.
"He took me home, but not home exactly, he told how to evade them if I saw them. He keep making strange turns and I thought we lost them or so he said."
"Probably not to worry you." Said Cass
"Yeah. He is good at that."
"Just like his father." Cass told him smiling
"So, he took you home and left. It is going to be difficult to know what else happened." Director Sheppard tried to get back on track "Even if he has a GPS in his car"
"Not necessarily. McGee, Abbs. His car has a particular frequency, relaying the position at all time through a particular satellite, even when it is not on. And none of you tell him that okay?" Looking directly at the girls.
"Sorry to tell you Jack, but he already knows. I suppose he is counting on it at the moment" said Cassie "that and the phone, if they haven't taken it"
"They won't know it is a phone Cass. Abbs I'll give you the frequency of the satellite"
"I'll find it, General Jack."
"General?"
"Not now, Paul. I don't give a rat's ass about secrecy. We'll change the frequency later. If I have to use the shuttle to find him I'll order the launch myself. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Sir. I'll prepare the confidentially papers for everyone involved."
"You got it all right Paul. There is still hope for you". He smiled a little. "We have to go to MTAC Jenny, will you please clean the pace for the troops."
"Dog included?"
"You got it right too."
"Still hope for me too Uh?" Jenny said smiling. "Give me five minutes and came down"
* * *
Jon was totally pissed off. He was taken from his car by two guys, they were too big for him and he knew it, so he followed Jack's old advice and played the scared teenager trying not to be. It worked because he was dumped in a room and left alone. In the car they had tied him and told him to shut up or be gagged. He shut up and played his part. He had to have some information, at the moment what he knew was really, really bad for him. They were talking in farsi and it seemed that the boss was one Abdul Nassa. `Jack was going to love it' he thought. His only hope was that they saw him really as a boy, or at least as a young adult and being American meaning that he know nothing, or it could be very nasty, and he was not ready for nasty, he had not let Jack go through to all that shit just to get his own set of nightmares. So he played the frightened boy, and played it well because he was left alone in that room.
They did hit him a little but not something he couldn't handle, he wasn't sure how his body was going to take it but he was okay at the moment. He sit on the cot and looked around, he saw the small camera in the corner of the room and something else, it seemed to be a mic but also could be a tampering system preventing him from using his cell phone. No, they confiscated the other phone, Thor's one was still hanging around his neck, it looks like the dog tags kids used lately, two dog tags that were his salvation, but he couldn't risk them being discovered, so he waited. He knew Jack was going to find him soon, he could locate him pretty easy, even without calling Thor, but he was sure the old man wouldn't risk the SGC in any way so probably he wouldn't use a beam to take him out unless strictly necessary. He would wait, and hope that the nightmares didn't start too soon.
* * *
Meanwhile in MTAC they were working on the location of Jon's car. Jack gave them the frequency after entering the codes for some of the classified satellites they usually use at Homeworld security. Earth technology was the only thing he was going to use at the moment, but if this had anything to do with the mole at the Pentagon, he'll have to ask permission to inform this people and he knew it. So while Abby and McGee worked on the location he opened two channels, one to "The Prometheus Project" and the other to the President. Both answered almost immediately, the President was in a conference with someone so his aide asked Jack to wait. In the other screen a familiar face was awaiting
"General?"
"Sam! Glad to see you." Breathing heavily "We have a situation."
"What can I do for you sir?"
"Someone has taken Jon." Sam face tell everyone that the boy was something special.
"I have reasons to believe it is related only to me and my past but ..."
"We can not be sure, anyway even if this is the case that could mean that a terrorist cell is in the country and has not been detected."
"Yeah colonel!" said Gibbs."It is a tricky situation. Even if I don't understand what the other possibility could be, I assume it has to do with Homeworld security" smiling. "Whatever that is."
"You shouldn't know about that Gibbs." Director Sheppard told him.
"Many things I shouldn't know about, Director" This time Jack smiled a little. "Anyway, can you help us to locate the car?"
"I am on it ..."
"Gibbs, Special Agent Gibss"
"Well Agent Gibbs, I am amplifying the frequency to the satellite, what you got would be ..."
"The redundant emission from that particular satellite which will allows us to locate the GPS frequency from Jon's car." Continued Abby
"Yes but also will ..."
"Carter!" She looked at him. "Please."
"Sorry sir! You will get it in you monitors now."
"Stay Sam, we'll need you again."
"Yes, sir!"
"Thanks Sam. Sam?"
"I'll try to locate the resident frequency from the phone but you have to give me the codes."
"Okay" He went to a console. "I am going to end up all egghead."
"General!!!!"
"General Jack!!!"
"Sorry girls."
"Girls?"
"Colonel? "
"General?"
"I hope you don't have any doubt about..."
"Don't go there!" After a moment realizing what their conversation may seem. "Sir!"
Gibbs came near Major Davis and signaling the screen said:
"SG1?"
"Yes, sir. They worked together for 7 years. That team was the best."
"I bet! They seem pretty close."
"Like family, I think that's what made them good."
"The codes are on." Said Jack interrupting their conversation. "Paul would you please block the access from the Pentagon."
"Yes, sir. But I need your codes."
"Really?" He got them in the computer."I have this estrange idea that you already got them."
"No, sir." He seemed a little offended
Jack looked at him and then looked Sam in the eye, both smiled. The communication between them was clear for everyone but only them understood it. `You never change' `You don't want it any other way' `That's true Jack' Still looking at her his face changed and got really worried she smiled a little `We'll find him' 'I really hope so' `Don't worry I am here' `I need my friends, I need you' `I am here'..
"General." Director Sheppard broke the spell. "We got the car."
"Yes! I'll be ready in five, I have to take off the monkey suit."
"No you won't, sir."
"Paul?"
"I am sorry but I won't allow you into a hazardous situation, sir!"
"He is right, Jack" Said Gibbs
"You tu brutus!!! Okay, I'll remain here, for now. Paul you go with them."
"Sir?"
"You need field experience, right?"
"Yes, sir."
"Well that is field for you."
"Yes, sir!"
"Paul, Gibbs is in command you follow his orders. Is that clear?"
"Yes, sir. No problem."
"Gibbs, you stay connected here at all time, all of you. If what I suspect is true that man can be very tricky and I don't want any of you in danger."
"It is our job."
"If we can avoid it, it will be better. We are monitoring the zone, he probably left a few surprises."
"Ziva is good."
"If there is more than one bomb and are connected, Ziva won't do too good by herself. Even if you can get another one."
"Sir! We are detecting some strange readings."
"Carter?"
"Three cars at least."
"Damm!"
"We are on it, General. Tony, Ziva" looking at McGee. "Do you need him?"
"Not sure, probably Abbs and Sam can do."
"Okay, McGee you too, Major Davis come."
Jack was monitoring their progress while Sam and Abby were manipulating the satellite to follow them. Jenny came to him and commented that Sam was really good and that she was giving Abby a hard time to follow her.
"She knows the technology pretty well, she designed most of it. She is a genius."
"You are very proud of her."
"Yeah! It is really great to work with her." Smiled. "Abby is not far away."
"Yes, she is good too."
"A little creepy."
"Creepy?" Asked Abby looking at them. "Jon said that too."
"That is why he loves you so much." Cassie cut in then looking at Jack. "As I am not doing anything here perhaps I could collaborate doing ... I don't know ....walking the dog perhaps? I am good at that."
"Sarcasm will let you everywhere"
"I learn from the master, uncle Jack ."
"Sorry sweetheart, I've left you aside."
"I am worried about him too, but I can't do anything here."
"When they came with Jon's car you can help Abby with the stuff," smiled "the biological stuff."
"Stuff?" Abby smiled "What is creepy is how much you and Jon are alike?"
"You wouldn't know," said Cassie "Okay I'll wait and if I can't help I can always ask that cute sweet boy to escort me to walk the dog."
"McGee will be helping me, sorry."
"Abby how do you know I was talking about him? "
"You got the eyes, girl!"
"What eyes would be those? The ones you give Jon?"
"Girls!" Jack cut in
"What?" Said both
"Something is bleeping."
As they turn back to the computers they realized that the team was nearly at the sight, the bleeping was just an alert so they didn't go to close. Jack asked to have it in the main screen se he could see how the were doing. They located all the cars and Jack let Gibbs proceed, the team worked well and Paul was reacting quite well and following the well oiled team without much trouble.
Jack was making his own strategy in mind but at the same time admitted the approach was very good. In the corner of the screen a shadow seemed to appear of nowhere, Jack saw them first
"Bogey on the left up!"
"Copy!" Gibbs answered. "Ziva back!"
"Another one," she said. " He wants to cut me."
Suddenly Jack saw it clear and was going to take them out when the president appeared on the other screen
"Jack good to see you!"
"Sorry Mr. President, we are in a situation."
"Okay" Hayes was a little shocked but reacted quickly, Director Sheppard just looked at him and then at Jack and was impressed. " I'll wait."
"Gibbs, take them out! Repeat take them out!"
"We are close." Said Gibbs a little annoyed to be interrupted
"That's what they want."
"Jack!"
"Be careful with gas. Put the masks on now and get out! We'll get them later."
They followed the order just seconds before being assaulted by an array of gas canisters. Fortunately they had the masks on, they were small enough not to be detected from far, so Gibbs decided to play dead and let them to came close but at the last moment he preferred to ask Jack because he had a better sight of the whole zone.
"Play dead?" - asked Gibbs
"Not all of you. You don't have backup."
"About that," interrupted the president
"Sir?"
"Haley informed me, Jack. Sorry she couldn't lie to the CIC."
"I'll talk to her later."
"No, you won't. But I inform you that SG3 and SG13 are blocking the area. We couldn't use SG1 it would be too obvious that they were helping you, sorry"
"Thanks, Mr. President. Abbs," signaling the computer "channel 4, please." She connected him. "Dave position?"
"Nice to hear you too, Jack" the General chuckled. "We have them in our front, team taking places. They can play possum whenever they want."
"Gibbs?"
"Ready on your mark."
"Now!"
As one they started to stumble, and one by one they got to the floor just leaving enough space among them to move easily.
In MTAC everyone was tense watching. Jack looked to the President from time to time, he seemed quite interested in the operation. Jenny was looking at both of them, Jack O'Neill was one of a kind and even the President agreed to his wishes. She didn't know the general very well but she was sure he never asked anything for himself, it seemed that today was an exception and even that exception seemed more motivated for his job that the fact that his son was out there. She knew that should be killing him, but he was at his professional best, not letting his feelings interfere and everyone seemed to be there for him.
She saw that Colonel Carter was worried, that was really clear in the way she looked at him, those two seemed quite close, like she once was with Gibbs, perhaps. She stopped the thought, this was not the time.
The president was worried too, he appreciated the General, a lot. The Pentagon gossip said he was his favorite General, even it that was true there surely was reason for that. And Jenny knew the reason was that General O'Neill was a real hero, no one really knew which battles he won but she was sure the world was safer with him around.
The subject of her musings was gently caressing the girl, Cassie, who smiled at him and squished his hand, got up and hugged him. On the corner of her eye Jenny saw, both the President and Colonel Carter smiled, surely relieved that he was letting her close. Suddenly his voice alerted the quiet room
"Here we go! Get ready, bogeys on the left. Some backing off north side, Reynolds be ready. Dave don't get them come too close but don't miss anyone."
"Yes, sir!" Both Dixon and Reinolds said.
There was a crossfire and some hand to hand combat, including the NCIS agents. Their numbers were quite bigger than the enemy and suddenly everything finished.
"Reynolds, Dave?"
"General," said Reynolds. "Six arrested, three bounded."
"Ours?" Asked Jack worried
"Two marines, sir. Just scratches."
"There shouldn't be any!"
"Sir," interrupted Dixon. "We all volunteered, we are glad to help."
"Thanks, kids. Gibbs, how is your people?"
"We are all Okay. We will get the cars."
"Dixon, Reynolds, help them and follow them here."
"General we are going to the cars."
"Wait! Carter?"
"One of the cars seems to have a remote."
"Can you block it?"
"Yes sir and I am locating the frequency of the transmitter and its position. Transmitting."
"We are closer," said Gibbs
"All yours." Dixon answered. "We'll strip the cars."
"Yeah! You are good at that." Said Reynolds
"You and your jarheads are just envious."
"You wish."
"Kids!" Jack interrupted
"We are on it, sir." Dixon said
"Take all the cars here," following Gibbs progress. "Gibbs I think they have detected you."
"I know, Ziva."
"Yes Gibbs I am going to the back."
"DiNozzo!"
"With her, boss"
"McGee you and Davis be ready," they nodded. "we are going in, now!"
They captured the one with the remote before he could activate, not that it could do anything because Dixon had already "stripped" the van, but it was a bonus because it could be connected somewhere else and give a signal. And at the moment they needed information, not more problems, that was the most important thing.
Jack looked at the President and he explained that with Hammond's help they had mounted a mission without informing anyone on what was going on, not even Landry. No one knew where they were, except them and the Prometheus transporter crew that was commanded by Carter. Jack was glad to have asked Thor for the upgrades, transports, shields and hyper drive were literally a "god sent". Now he only had to find Jon.
"Mr. President"
"Jack, I've authorized the upgrades in security clearance for these people. You decided what you want to tell them."
"Sir, I think they will need to know almost everything."
"Jack?"
"As I told you I think there is a mole in the Pentagon, the fact that there is at least one terrorist cell in our country without being detected is a clear reason that someone is trying to distract us, sir."
"Distract? From what?" Asked Director Sheppard
"Director Sheppard you'll have to wait for the debrief" said the President. "In the meant time you will assist General O'Neill."
"Yes, Mr. President."
"And will not inform anyone but me." Jack added
"Sir?"
"Homeland security, doesn't know I am here."
"Yes, but General."
"No Jenny. It is too big, to risk."
"You don't know that for sure."
"Trust his instincts Director Sheppard, if we all did we'd be safer. And I include myself in those at fault," Jack looked at him. "You told me a few months ago and I was, as you said, `too comfy in my big American couch', that is what you said right" The President smiled at Jack's face. "Yes I heard when you said that to Hammond, by the way he tried to convinced me that your instincts had never failed before. He really trusts you and I should learn to do it too."
"Thanks Mr. President."
"Well you do your job, inform when you need to do it and finish with that damn mole we have. By the way Captain Haley is on her way with the confidentiality papers to sign. She is good Jack, you taught her well, and don't be hard on her she had no other option between George and me."
"Yes, sir, we'll wait for her and the teams."
The connection with the President was out and everybody exhaled a little more relaxed, Jack smiled and asked Carter how was the locating Jon's phone going. She was on it and almost got the exact point but something scrambled the connection and had to start again. He told her to contact when ready because they would be busy with the cars.
"Thank you Colonel."
"Always, General." She smiled. " I'll let you know as soon as I have the location."
"Thanks, Sam."
* * *
Gibbs got in MTAC and saw Abbs and Cassie talking, both a little worried. Jenny was on the phone and Captain Hailey and General O'Neill were talking with Colonel Carter through one of the computers. The Captain left again. Jack looked at him waiting to be informed.
"General the cars are here. Abbs you go help McGee and the flyboys."
"I'll help too," said Cassandra. "I can do all the medical tests, that way we'll go faster. I am good with prints too. He made me," signaling Jack "do forensics in addition of medicine."
"Okay, will work together, but Homer has to stay here, the lab will be too crowded."
"I'll take care of him," said Jack. "I have to take a walk anyway, I am going wacko here. Talk to you later Carter and ...."
"I'll inform you as soon as I locate the damn signal." Said a frustrated Carter
"Sam?"
"I hate when things don't go as planned."
"And since when did things go as planned? "
"Yeah! I should be used to it, but ...I still hate it,"
"If anything ... we'll go to plan B."
"We have a plan B?" Asked the Director
"Did we have a plan A?" Asked Gibbs. "I thought we were going with the flow."
"Very good Gibbs," said Jack with a voice full of sarcasm,"very good. But we did have have a plan"
"Until the jarheads and crazy flyboys appeared." - Gibbs said
"You got it right - smiling- See you later Sam."
"We will find him."
"I know."
He took Homer's leash and started to leave. Gibbs looked at him and Jack nodded. They went outside together. Jenny looked at them they made such a pair. She had to tell Gibbs about the President and how Jack O'Neill barely acknowledged him in the middle of the crisis, she was sure Gibbs would find it perfectly normal and appreciate the man a lot more, they really made a pair.
Jack and Gibbs were walking the gardens without talking, Homer was happy to be out and Jack's mood upped a little, Gibbs saw it but didn't comment. After a while Jack looked at his clock and started to go back, he was getting angsty again. Gibbs put a hand in his arm to stop him. Jack calmed a little looking at him.
"I was POW for 4 months in Iraq, I almost lost my soul in that hellhole but I never cracked. They were really angry and at the end I was just fun for them, specially Nassa. If he is the one behind it ....Jon is going to suffer and ... I can't allow it, I won't allow it."
"Neither will I. We'll find your son and that son of a bitch. I swear"
"Thanks."
"We better get inside, perhaps they have found something."
"I hope it is something good."
"Jonathan?" Ducky's voice interrupted them. "Is that you?" Going to him putting a hand at Jack's face. "My God you are looking so well! I am so glad you are looking so well."
"Ducky, it has been a while"
"Yes, Jonathan a while indeed," he smiled. "At what do we own the honor of your visit, my dear boy?"
"Boy? Gee Ducky I am too old and too gray to be called boy!"
"Never for me, Jonathan. You still have the eyes ."
"The eyes?" Jack asked
"Those eyes that told anyone that wants to hear that life is still good to fight for."
"Thanks Ducky."
"We were going inside, Ducky," said Gibbs "we have work to do." Ducky just looked at them
"My son has been kidnapped."
"Charlie?"
"Not Charlie," pain crossed his face. "Charlie died a few years ago. Jon, I just met him three years ago and now he is in danger because of me."
"Not because of you," Gibbs said. "It is those bastards fault not yours."
"He shouldn't be in danger, but he is because of who I am!"
"Yell, Jonathan! Don't control yourself. You need it." Ducky told him." Don't let it burn you."
"No Ducky, not until he is safe," he caressed Homer. "Can you take him? I really want to be free to go after those bastards."
"I'll take care of the dog. It is you son's, isn't it?"
"Yeah! Homer you go with Ducky and be a good guy." the dog whined." I'll find him I promise."
"Come on Homer! Will go to conquer Ithaca"
"No that Homer I am afraid."
"Oh!?"
"The one that has a Marge." Gibbs put a face. "The Simpsons"
"Those cartoons that Abby is so fond off, I see." Looking at Jack. " I'll take care of him, you find your son and if you need me, Jethro will tell you where I am."
"Thanks, Ducky."
"You are most welcome, my friend."
They got back inside. Ziva was at the phone and DiNozzo working at his computer. Jack asked for SG3 and SG13 and they said they were in the garage. Abby was with them and McGee and Cass were at the lab. Ziva just finished her conversation.
"Abdul Nassa is in the country."
"Damn!" Jack went pale
"They lost him a few weeks ago. It was supposed to go to Germany but..."
"He ended up here," finished Gibbs. "Who is his contact?"
"We don't know, boss. It is all very complicated."
"Uncomplicated it DiNozzo!"
"Boss? CIA won't inform us."
"Really?" Cut Jack in taking his cell phone. "This is O'Neill, code 1alpha7. Confirmation in three, and you better call me yesterday Rodman or you can start kissing ass right to next year!" He shut up the phone."He'll call in ten seconds." After 8 seconds his phone ring and he smiled. "Abdul Nassa, Rodman all the information in my mail," he listened to the other end of the line. "I don't give a rat's ass! You send it now. You can call the President if you feel better, but I still don't give a rat's ass. Do it now or you'll go to collect your last pay about now and yes it is a threat. I don't do false threats and you know it." He close the phone. "Let's go back to MTAC, it is a little more private."
They all went there, Abby and Cass right after them. The mail gave them the identification of a quite big terrorist cell, if it was one. As Gibbs said could be more than one. They started to work on locations and possible targets. Jack O'Neill was sure that Nassa was here for revenge, but the others had a mission and that mission could get nasty. He had to think about national security, not only Jon, and that was becoming more and more difficult. He needed his friends, his team, he could always rely on them. At least Sam was near and Cass was helping, she was more and more like her mom and he was grateful for that.
Gibbs was arguing with Director Sheppard when Dave Dixon entered, armed to the teeth with security guards after him.
"Jack! Tell those morons I won't `surrender my weapons' Gee! Are they crazy"
"Dave, you are in a government building."
"I am a government agent."
"You are also crazy," said Reynolds entering after him with no weaponry. "See, I have no problem."
"You are a jarhead. Jack, we have to go. We got a tip of possible location."
"Really? From whom?"
"It seems he or she wanted anonymity. Figures!"
"Yeah"
"We located the point of origin"
"Gee, Dave! "
"Focal point?"
"Who is corrupting you? You sound like an egghead."
"Thanks general! My son will very proud of his old man."
"Sure he will."
"We have to pretend to buy it Jack."
"I know Dave, but you can't go in there blind."
"Give us a dookihooky to be connected."
"A dookihooky? General Jack. Have you corrupt all the Air Force?"
"I do my best," he said smiling. "Gibbs?"
"Colonel... Dixon?" Dave nodded. "I suggest you go there, my team will back you up. Colonel Reinolds will stay here to back up the General."
"You mean so he doesn't escape?" Asked Dixon
"Gee, Dave! You are worst everyday. I don't escape lately, I am a General."
"Do bears shit in the woods?"
"I don't know what they do lately, I haven't seen woods in a year," smiling. "Okay I'll coordinate from here. It is the only thing I can do lately. Don't say anything Paul."
"No, sir"
"Good. Dave have Abbs and McGee got all the information?"
"Yes, General, kids are good too. Don't let Cassie stay too long here or she will become a egghead."
"Not a chance." Said Cass
* * *
Jon realized that he had to connect the mobile phone because the resident signal could be scrambled, he was sure that thing that resembled a mic could screw the tinny communication, so he decided to risk it. He got the two "dog tags" together, put the phone in mute and sent a signal to Jack. The moment he acknowledged it he would disconnect the phone again.
Suddenly the phone vibrated, just once. Jon disconnected it and waited, praying the goons hadn't caught it and that Jack would get him soon. He just wanted to stop the nightmare, he just wanted a `normal' life, with Abbs if possible and near the ones he loved.
He was curled on the cot, his back at the camera, for the out lookers he seemed sleeping, a little troubled but sleeping. He played his role very well, he had to do it if he wanted to come out alive and well. If he got hurt because of his stupidity Jack will blame himself, well he is going to blame himself anyway but if he came out unscratched the old man would be able to put it behind sooner and that was one thing that Jon planned to do. Put everything behind as soon as it finished and help the old man, because he was going to need it, and they were family and...
`Damn it Jack! Come quickly I am freaking out here.' He said to himself.
* * *
In MTAC General Jack O'Neill almost had a heart attack when his phone signaled and Carter appear in one of the big screens at the same time. He sent a signal back and the connection was lost.
"Carter!??"
"I got it General. Sending the location and positioning the satellites. Sir!"
"Receiving it Sam. Damn! Are you ready?"
"Ready at your command, sir." Jack nodded to her and she disappeared from the screen, Jack smiled.
"There seems to be a quite organized group. That camp, or whatever it is, is really big," said McGee "and there seems to be a lot of people."
"How can they have those facilities in such a short time?" Asked DiNozzo
"The mole." Said Gibbs
"Right, the mole The one none believed it exists" said Jack. "We need a plan, lets go. Gibbs pick your boys. Dave you take your team where you are suppose to, get rid of them and come as a back up." Without no one noticing he left.
"Abby!"
"Yes Gibbs!"
"You cover Dixon on the satellite."
"Yes Gibbs!"
"We will be going with colonel Reynolds."
"My team will cover your six."
"Good, thanks. We'll need satellite cover. Where is Carter? Did she leavet?"
"Not exactly" Said Reynolds
"I'll cover you," the Director said. "I suppose General O'Neill will go too. Where is he anyway?"
"Right here." Jack came back in black BDUs. "Weapons in the car?"
Paul was right after him, in black BDUs too "Yes sir."
"Reynolds you with us. Gibbs you are in command."
"Jack?"
"I am too involved and unless it becomes a fully military operation you get the lead Okay?"
"I agree General, Gibbs will have a more clear mind in this."
"Well thank you Director! "
"Don't take it personal, Jack." Said Gibbs
"Sure. Where the hell is she? A smile formed in Jack's face the moment the door opened and presented a black BDUs clad Samantha Carter. "Ready to kick ass?"
"Always." She said smiling
"Let's go."
The face the NCIS agents got was priceless and Jack was very very proud of himself, he still got it and a smiling Samantha Carter at his side was always a bonus.
* * *
When they arrived near the complex they realized that it was a real military base, with many traps and controls so Jack looking at Reynolds made the decision to change things. NCIS agents were good but they weren't military trained, well Gibbs and Ziva could do but anyway that was big.
"Kids, change of plans."
"You get command, General." Said Gibbs
"Yep! Let's go people. Reynolds perimeter, let two or your men to control the main entrance. Gibbs you and your people get to enter front as soon as Dixon gets here," he tapped his radio and someone tapped back. "He is on his way here."
"That was quick." Commented DiNozzo.
"That's Dixon for you," Reynolds said smiling, "always quick."
"Yeah!" Jack snorted. "Well anyway, Paul you are with Gibbs and I think I'll take Ziva. Carter you are with me."
"Yes, sir"
"Why Ziva?"
"The back door will be very trapped, Carter can get inside while we pick up the surprises."
"How good are you at kicking up doors?" Ziva asked Carter
"She can kick everything and at picking up locks," smiling. "she is the best, she even taught me some tricks."
"Some?"
"Yeah, some."
"You had me teaching you how to pick every lock in the world," he was smiling. "I hate you," and as an after though "sir."
"But you do it so well." Gibbs couldn't stop laughing. "This is serious, Gibbs."
"Yeah, sure. Good thing you too are not married or you'll be on the dog house for a year ."
Jack and Sam faces changed suddenly and they had to look away. They tried not to laugh. After controlling themselves, Jack signaled so everyone got ready and in position. After a moment he received the okay from Dixon that he was there too.
"Dixon is here , get ready people." Said Jack
"Dog house?" Asked Ziva
"It means he would be ... "
"Another time McGee." Urged Gibbs
"Yes, boss."
They saw a chopper approaching and landing near the main entrance, a few guys got out and Jack swore.
"That's Nassa." Ziva informed them
"Correct and we have to hurry I don't want him getting his damn hands on Jon. Reynolds you and Gibbs collect all the garbage you can, but don't risk your lives, it is not worth it. They will shoot to kill and be happy to become martyrs. Dixon their perimeter should be triggered, probably a thousand blocks of C4, Nassa is that paranoid."
"They don't seem happy with him." Ziva said
"Probably because he is using a well oiled mission for his personal revenge." commented Gibbs.
"Good." Jack really hated the man and if he was having troubles with his buddies better. "If they kill him better for us, but Gibbs is right, this is a great opportunity for them and are not going to screw up or so they think. Because we are going to change that. Let's go we have some enemies to capture."
Jack, Sam and Ziva worked their way to the back door, they discharged the explosives and Sam picked the lock. Once inside they heard a couple of loud voices and then Jack tensed. Sam and Ziva realized that was Nassa. Jack understood what was going on and keep moving while translating for Sam.
"He wants to pay a visit to Jon. I am not going to let him. The kid could hear it too."
"Does he understand?" Asked Ziva
"A little, I tried to teach him everything I know but I am not sure if he comprehend all what it's said" Sam knew better and touched Jack's arm he relaxed a little. "Let's go."
Jack told them to stay back a little. He saw Nassa alone with the guard at the door, the other two had left. He made hand signals for Sam and Ziva and they get ready. When Nassa was going to open the door Jack put his P-90 at his face while his two companions got rid off the other guy silently.
"I knew you would show up American."
"Get your hands in the air."
"I don't think so."
He tried to pick up his gun, but two knives flew into his heart even before he realized it, Jack turned around and saw Sam and Ziva looking at him as if nothing happened. He just shook his head. Nobody has realized what happened yet and that was good for them. They approached the door and Jack called out for Jon telling him to be quiet. Sam was going to pick the lock when Jack saw something.
"Jon, I am going to throw you a gas mask, gloves and a hat. Put that on and get cover."
Jon now knew that the thing was not a mic, but a gas pipe, and he really hated Nassa. He went to the cot as if someone were there so the camera didn't pick up anything. But he knew when Jack sent him the package from the little window everything had to be quick and smooth or they were going to get in trouble, so he prepared himself. He heard a female voice that didn't know and the package came through. He put the mask and everything else on and waited.
The door opened. Jack grabbed him and he barely saw a golden haired woman and a brunette, they all went out. Just whe they were reaching the door they were located and were shot at, but he heard some explosions not far off. Jon let Jack control the situation and suddenly he was engulfed in a hug and he heard Jack asking him if he was okay. He nodded and hugged him back, he didn't want to let him go, he needed him and was not ashamed to show it. Then he looked at his right and Sam was there, smiling at him he smiled back and squished his hand muting `thanks' to her, he knew Jack needed her and he was glad she was there.
Then she looked at the brunette. Jon knew Jack needed some time to compose himself and having Sam there was helping, but the situation required him at his best and Jon decide to help him. So he started to talk to the girl.
"You must be Ziva."
"Yes."
"Abby told me about you."
"We are getting used to each other." She made a strange face.
"She likes you, don't worry," he smiled and Ziva saw that his smile was like his father's smile. "Thanks for the rescue."
"No problem, just doing my job."
"Well I am not exactly Navy."
"You are General Jack' son," smiling " aren't you?"
"You can said that . Hey old man! Thanks, I was getting angsty there, thanks Sam."
"Anytime," she said. "I am glad you are okay."
"Yes, Cass is waiting with Homer so we better get ready." Said Jack
Jack signaled the teams, Gibbs informed him that Director Sheppard had sent security guards and alerted CIA they had arrested everyone and were going to take them to NCIS to be interrogated. The new teams will secure the place. Jack informed them about the explosives they found and gave orders as how it had to be done. He left Reynolds and Dixon in command of the operation and allowed Gibbs and his team to lead the interrogations at NCIS headquarters.
When everything was in order he went back to Jon who was talking to Sam. He saw them relaxed and that relaxed him a little. He has been shit scared for the kid, he had been prying that no one triggered his nightmares, because he knew himself, but it was becoming more and more clear that Jon was not Jack and he was glad for that.
"Hey kids! Ready to go?"
"Hell yes! " Jon almost jumped ready to go.
"Sam are you coming for a while?" Asked Jack
"I think I have to inform my boss so I'll have to be around for a while."
"I hope your boss is not a pain in the ass." He said smiling
"Oh he is," Jack put a face and she smiled, " sometimes."
"Will you two get a room already? Let's go I want to see my women."
"Your women? "
"Don't get too feminist on me Sam. They are my women and I am their man."
"To both of them?"
"With a different meaning, yes."
"I have to ask them."
"You do that, Sam."
"And he is going to be at the `dog house' for the rest of the eternity."
Jon and Jack look at each other, smiled and say together: "Nah!!"
Teresa
If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to
Teresa
|
|
|