17.2 (Combined)
INT. COURTHOUSE SECURITY ROOM / JUDGE'S CHAMBERS – SAME TIME
Walter, Paige, and Samara huddle around the surveillance monitors. Armed men sweep the east wing, moving with military precision.
Paige (anxious):
"They're moving fast. Too fast."
Walter (typing):
"I'm locking down the elevators and redirecting security feeds. That'll buy us a few minutes."
Samara (checking her watch):
"Every second counts. We need an exit plan."
Paige's phone buzzes—a coded message from Penelope.
Paige (reading):
"Penelope found a service tunnel under the west annex. It's old, but it might get us out."
Walter:
"Then that's our way. Let's move."
CUT TO:
INT. JUDGE'S CHAMBERS – CONTINUOUS
Happy finishes rigging the door with a makeshift trap.
Happy (grinning):
"That'll give them a nasty surprise."
Suddenly, the private elevator dings. Olivia signals for silence. Footsteps echo in the hallway.
Gibbs (whispering):
"Positions."
The door handle rattles. The trap triggers—a flashbang erupts, stunning the attackers. Gibbs and Olivia move in, subduing the first wave.
Gibbs (to Judge Vasquez):
"Now! Go!"
They hustle the judge toward the service corridor, Happy covering their retreat. As they move, Paige, Walter, and Samara intercept them in the hallway, urgency in every step.
Samara (breathless):
"Service tunnel's this way—Penelope's waiting."
Gibbs:
"Let's not celebrate yet. Move!"
The coalition rushes down the corridor together, the sound of distant sirens echoing above.
END OF 17.2 (Combined)