24: State of the Union

Author: mjhunter Rated: [R] for violence, torture, disturbing images, suggestive dialogue. Viewer Discretion is Advised MAIN PLOT: It is the night of the State of the Union Address (the 3rd for President Taylor). In attendance are over 500 Congressmen and women (including Senators), the Cabinet, excluding the new Secretary of Homeland Security, Bill Buchanan. Far away in Los Angeles, Renee Walker is working hard to secure an issue that has arose at one of the larger ports in the city, while Tony Almeida, the new CTU Director, handles minor security issues in New York, his new office. Chloe O’Brian is keeping her hands full with the operations of CTU in Washington D.C. where she was appointed as the Director. As for Jack Bauer… he is in Washington, D.C. running his own Private Investigation firm, where he is working full time to investigate political, and corporate crimes. It has been over two years since the American people have been faced with any serious threat, but tonight… that may very well change. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Episode 1 (9:00-10:00pm) The following takes place between 9:00 and 10:00pm on the night of the State of the Union Address. Events Occur In Real Time. Washington, D.C. 9:00:01pm EST “President Taylor is to enter any minute now to begin her third State of the Union Address since taking office. Along with her, in attendance tonight are over 500 congressman and senators, and her cabinet, excluding her new Secretary of Homeland Security”, says a news anchor. Chloe O’Brain quickly turns into a driveway and approaches a gate. She lifts up an ID card which is attached to a lapel which is around her neck. “Thank you, Ms. O’Brain,” says a guard. Chloe continues up the driveway and turns right into a parking lot, where she finds a spot near the entrance of the building and parks her Black, Company-issued, Lincoln Navigator. She grabs a briefcase which was resting on the dashboard before closing the door and approaching the door. Her cell phone rings, and she quickly answers it. “O’Brian,” she says. “Chloe, where are you at,” asked the man on the other end of the phone? “I just got here… get everyone in the briefing room,” she said; her voice filled with urgency. She quickly walked to the door, swiped her ID, and entered the building. The door shuts behind her, revealing the new logo for the Washington, D.C. branch of the Counter Terrorist Unit. Los Angeles, CA 9:04:17pm EST A cell phone rings in a dark room. The LCD display lights up the night stand. Suddenly, a flood of light fills the room, and a woman grabs the phone. She is wearing black dress pants, black shoes, a white collared shirt and a grey vest. She answers the phone as she finishes putting on her leather jacket. “Walker, here,” she said. “Renee, we’ve got an update on the port problem,” said a tech on the other end of the conversation. “What sort of update,” asked Renee Walker, the Director of the L.A. Office of the FBI? “We’ve got a possible… threat,” says the tech. “Alright, I’m on my way. Keep everyone working, and have the report on my desk,” ordered Renee, with an anxious voice. She had been dealing with this issue for the past three days and she was anxious to see what this update was all about, so that she could finish this for good. Renee hangs up the phone, grabs her keys, her gun, and heads out the front door. She thought the day was over… it was only beginning. 9:11:28pm EST 9:11:29pm EST 9:11:30pm EST [BREAK] New York, New York – CTU Headquarters 9:13:04pm EST “Yes, that’s right… I need everyone in here… NOW,” commanded Tony Almeida, the new Director of the New York branch of CTU. He was standing up behind his desk in his office. After hanging up the phone, he grabbed a notebook he had on his desk, and left the office. Heading down the hall, Tony stopped by a tech’s desk. “Has Walker called back yet,” he asked? “No, sir,” he said. “The moment… the MOMENT she calls… I want to be patched through, got it?” “Yes, Mr. Almeida.” Tony continued toward the conference room, but was stopped by one of his agents. She handed him a report, which he took a moment to look at. His face went from being wrinkled with frustration to being drained of all emotion. He seemed shocked, and after a brief moment, he was able to jump back into reality. A jolt went through his body, and he jumped a bit as he began to walk faster, this time to the Conference room. “Alice, get Walker and Chloe on the Teleconference… NOW!” Washington, D.C. – U.S. Capitol Building 9:16:57pm EST Agents stood among the halls of the Capitol. Cheers could be heard in the halls of Congress, as President Taylor delivered a very powerful third State of the Union Address. Her speech was scheduled to be over by 9:51pm EST, but she wouldn’t be out of the building until 9:56pm EST. This was the plan, at least. Inside of the chamber were several hundred guests, including over 500 members of Congress, the leaders of the U.S. Military. The only member of the Executive Branch who wasn’t there… was Bill Buchanan, the Secretary of Homeland Security. “Stevens, check in,” said a voice over the radio. Every Secret Service Agent heard the call. “Stevens, check in,” said the voice again. The agents inside of the chamber held their earpiece as the crowd roared to life once again. They couldn’t hear what was going on over the radio. “Stevens…” “This is Stevens, we’re clear in here,” said Special agent Stevens, the Agent tasked with protecting the President from a shooter, by walking in front of her at all times. He was standing directly in front of the podium, on the ground level, watching the crowd, and every time they stood in applause, he was called to alert. He was ready for anything… 9:20:09pm EST Flashes of light burst into the room. The President’s voice could be heard in the background, along with occasional cheers and applause. On the couch, lay a man, with dusty blonde hair. He was in his mid forties. Bags of chips and beer cans lined the floor of this small apartment. Suddenly… a ring. Shocked to life by the sound of his cell phone, Jack Bauer jumped up, and produced his gun, which he was holding under his pillow. He wiped his eyes after realizing it was only his phone, and picked it up. Squinting to see who it was on the phone, he read it aloud: “number unavailable”. “What do you want? If you plan on pranking me… you better hang up now, before I find you, and kick your little punk a…”, Jack said, angry after receiving many prank calls that evening. “Jack, this is Chloe.” This voice… was most definitely not expected for Jack. He hadn’t talked to Bill, Tony, Chloe or Renee for over a year and a half. He closed his eyes, trying to wake himself up. Opening them back up, he stands to show that he’s merely in his blue and white striped boxers, and a white t-shirt. “Chloe? How have you been?” “Not too bad, Jack… but I don’t have time to chat. We’ve got a problem here… and I’ve been asked to update you and have you come in to the office,” Chloe said, with a serious, but kind tone. “Chloe… I don’t work for CTU anymore… so, I don’t care who told you to…”, Jack said, trying to blow this one off. “Listen, Jack. I know you’re upset about Audrey firing you after she became National Security Advisor. We all get that, and we didn’t like it either. But you need to listen to me… we have a situation,” said Chloe, now in a more stern and forceful voice, one that Jack had never heard come from Chloe O’Brian. “What type of problem is this, Chloe,” asked Jack? “Well…”, she began. “Chloe… don’t tell me you don’t even know…”, demanded Jack. “Look, Jack. I haven’t been briefed yet either. The report is coming from FBI in L.A.”, said Chloe, now a bit frustrated, but understanding of Jack’s tone and mood. “Jack, please…”, said Chloe, desperate to see Jack, but she knew this was more than that. “Alright, I’ll be there in ten minutes. I better have that report when I get there, or I’m going home and back to sleep. Got it,” he asked, and demanded simultaneously? “Yes, Jack. You’ll have it. Thank you so much.” “Alright, see you in a few,” said Jack. “Wait… Jack…” asked Chloe. “Yes, Chloe”, Jack asked? “It’s good to hear your voice again”, she said sincerely. “You, too Chloe. See you in ten. Bye.” Jack hung up the phone and looked at himself. He was now standing in front of the mirror in the bathroom. He stared into the mirror, as he thought about what he might be getting into. He had a bit of a smirk on his face, but it faded away as he thought about what she had said about Audrey… why did she have to remind him? 9:23:13pm EST 9:23:14pm EST 9:23:15pm EST [BREAK] 9:27:06pm EST Washington, D.C. – CTU Headquarters Chloe’s phone began to ring on her desk. She picked it up. “Ms. O’Brain, there’s a Jack Bauer here for you,” said the guard over the phone. “Yes, yes… let him in. Thank you,” she said quickly. She opened her door and headed to the entrance that was across the main lobby, where her agents were working hard on several issues. She met Jack in the middle of the lobby, and began walking him to the Conference Room. “Jack, it’s good to see you… thank you for coming,” she said, with a new level of maturity and responsibility in her voice. When they entered the Conference Room, several of Chloe’s agents and analysts were sitting at the table. A few stood up and began rattling off updates, but she didn’t have time for all of that. “Enough. That is not the problem here. This is Jack Bauer, and as long as he is here, you will listen to what he has to say, got it”, she asked, rather rhetorically? “Good. Jack, in a few minutes, we’re going to be holding a live conference with New York CTU, and the L.A. branch of the FBI.” “Do you have that report, Chloe,” asked Jack? “Yes, it’s right here,” said Chloe, handing the report to Jack. 9:33:20pm EST A man exits a taxi on Constitution Avenue. He is wearing a brown wool coat. His dark hair and sun glasses conceal all emotion. He tips the taxi driver, who thanks the man. Walking down the street, the man takes out his phone and dials a number. He takes a right, and enters an alley. He stops when he reaches a black Mercedes. “It’s here,” he says. He opens the trunk and inside is a black suit, with a white shirt, and red tie. He takes the clothing out, and walks behind a dumpster, to change his clothes. A minute or so later, he walks from behind the dumpster, dressed in a black suit. He opens the front door and enters the Mercedes. Moments later, the car is started, and it speeds out of the alley, and onto Constitution Avenue. Washington, D.C. – CTU Headquarters 9:38:39pm EST Jack Bauer is pacing about the room as he waits for the conference to begin. He is beginning to get impatient and it’s showing through his behavior and his actions. He sits down at the large conference table and looks up at Chloe. “Chloe… is this conference going to happen anytime soon,” he asked? “Yes, Jack… Tony probably...,” she said. “Tony? Tony is running the New York Branch,” asked Jack? “Yes, Jack. Bill Buchanan hired him on as the director… he said if he couldn’t have you, he’d at least have Tony and I,” Chloe said. “I see…,” Jack said, but was interrupted by a flash on the teleconferencing screen. “Chloe… Jack… it’s Tony. Nice to see you guys. As you are both aware, we’ve got a situation. Also joining us is Renee Walker, who we all know, of course. Renee got a report not too long ago, and she said it was important that we get involved,” said Tony Almeida, over live video conferencing from the New York CTU Headquarters. “Chloe… Jack… its Renee. We’ve got a National Security threat. However, we aren’t sure of how credible the source is. Two days ago, FBI in L.A. intercepted a conversation from a known terrorist. He stated that his plan was going to be executed on time. Another man was on the phone, but his voice was untraceable and inaudible. However, our target repeated a number… 508. After mentioning 508, he stated that after his plan was executed, it was only time before the rest of the plan fell into place.” Suddenly, Jack’s face went blank. Chloe looked at Jack, and so did Renee and Tony via the teleconferencing screen. Chloe spoke up first. “What is it Jack? What are you thinking,” she asked nervously? “Did you say 508,” he asked inquisitively? “Yes, Jack… he said ‘508’,” Renee repeated. “I think we’ve got a big problem. Get me on the line with the Chief of the Secret Service,” demanded Jack! He stood up and walked over to Chloe. “I need a workstation, and get your people filtering the number 508 for every event happening tonight. We’ve got a very big problem… that number, isn’t just a number,” Jack stated. Chloe obeyed and exited the room quickly. Tony and Renee said they’d stay on the line, to remain updated. Then, suddenly, it hit Jack. “Chloe,” Jack yelled! 9:46:58pm EST 9:46:59pm EST 9:47:00pm EST Washington, D.C. – U.S. Capitol Building “Thank you all. Today, the State of our Union is strong… tomorrow it will be even stronger. God Bless you all and God Bless America! Thank you,” said President Allison Taylor as she finished her third State of the Union Address. She waved at the crowd and began her descent from the podium and stage. Agent Stevens stepped in front of her, and began to execute his training just as he had prepared, time and time again. The crowd rose to its feet as they applauded the President while she made her way down the aisle. “This is Stevens, we’re clear. Eagle is moving”, Stevens said as they proceeded down the aisle. The President shook hands with several guests, including Senators, Congressmen and women, and military personnel. As the applause continued and the cameras flashed, the escort pressed onward, making its way to the doors of the chamber. As the President neared the doors, a man walked into the aisle, directly in front of the President and Agent Stevens. Instantly Stevens’ training kicked into gear, he pushed the man back, but the man fought him. This man kept saying… “Stop him… you’ve got to stop him!” Agent Stevens requested backup, and immediately the doors opened and two more agents rushed into the room, suddenly, a shot is heard. Agent Stevens hits the ground, blood is pouring from his chest. He hits the ground as the crowd screams in fear. The two ‘agents’ who entered, pull out machine guns, and take the President hostage. Secret Service Agents demand that the men let the President go and that they drop their weapons. Finally, an agent jumps from the balcony and lands on the man holding President Taylor. The man is knocked to the ground, but gets to his feet. He opens his jacket to reveal several very large devices, resembling that of an explosive, attached to his body. As the crowd tries to leave the room, and the building, another shot is heard, and then several more. The man goes down, and so does the second. Agents take the President and begin to take her back toward the stage, so they can exit the rear of the building, but by this time, the exits are jammed and it seems that there’s no way out. Agent Thomas, the lead Secret Service Agent for the State of the Union tries to revive Agent Stevens but to no avail. He then gets up and looks for the man who approached Stevens. Thomas sees him walking behind the President, and yells for the escorting agent to turn around. Suddenly, the man rips open his vest and yells… “Madam President… what is the State of the Union now?!” President Taylor and her escort turn, and see the man with his jacket open. In his hand is a detonator and strapped to him are several more explosives. Before the agent can react the man pushes the button. Washington, D.C. – CTU Headquarters “Chloe,” Jack yelled! “Get the Secret Service on the line… they’re going after Taylor,” Jack screamed, as he ran to the phone. “Tony… 508 is the number of Representatives and Senators at the State of the Union! They’re going after Taylor at the State of the Union”, Jack realized! Just as Chloe was about to tell Jack she couldn’t get through to the Secret Service, the building shook. The lights dimmed and the glass surrounding the room rattled, some shattering. The shake felt like a powerful earthquake, but everyone in the office knew better. “What was that,” asked Renee? “I think it was an explosion of some sort…”, Chloe said. Suddenly the phones began ringing. She grabbed the phone near Jack, and answered it. “O’Brain, D.C. CTU,” she said as she answered, but no one replied. Suddenly, a second explosion was felt, and the room shook again. Jack went over to the TV after recovering from the blast, and turned it on to the news. The headline rolled across the screen… “U.S. Capitol Bombed.” “Damn it! Chloe… get me on the line with the Secretary of State,” Jack demanded, with great frustration. “Jack, he was at the Capitol… so was the Secretary of Defense,” said Tony. “I need to talk with the next in succession… who is the next in line,” Jack asked? “It’s Bill… Bill Buchanan. Secretary of Homeland Security,” said Renee. Jack looked at Chloe, who looked back. He nodded at her and then left the room, telling her to get agents to the Capitol immediately. Jack went into the lobby and sat at a workstation, and began searching for the code to get hold of Bill Buchanan, via a private line. 9:50:48pm EST 9:50:49pm EST 9:50:50pm EST [BREAK] Washington, D.C. – VIP Safe House 9:53:26pm EST Bill Buchanan looked up at the television screen. Just moments ago he was watching Allison Taylor, the President of the United States, give a speech, and now… he was watching live footage of a bombed U.S. Capitol. His heart sank. He began to get worried about who might still be alive and what would happen next. If no one survived, he knew that he was the one that would become the next President, and he wasn’t so sure he was ready for that… not at all. Suddenly, his phone rang. “Buchanan,” he said, anxiously. His voice was heavy, and most would be able to tell he was scared. “Bill, its Jack. Listen, we have a vehicle on the way to pick you up. Okay?” Jack could tell Bill was in shock. “Listen, Bill… the President, the Senators… they’re all dead. You’re the President, and you’re our priority. When the escort gets there, get in quickly. We’ll keep you safe, you hear me,” stated Jack, now more serious than he’s ever been. “Alright, Jack,” Bill said softly. A buzz was heard over the intercom in the safe room, which Bill was in. He began to hang up. “Jack, I’ve got to go. They’re here.” “Alright, Bill. See you in a few,”, said Jack. Bill hung up the phone and answered the intercom. “Access code,” he asked. “42345,” said the voice. Bill verified the code and told the man he’d be out. Bill gathered up his coat and a briefcase. Also in the locker was a gun, which Bill grabbed. He left the room and went outside. Outside was a black Mercedes. The plate was government issued, so Bill entered the vehicle. In the back seat was a man, in Secret Service Uniform. “Mr. Buchanan, you have nothing to worry about, we’ll keep you safe,” said the driver, who was wearing dark sunglasses and had dark black hair. 9:54:58pm EST 9:54:59pm EST 9:55:00pm EST [BREAK] Washington, D.C. – CTU Headquarters 9:57:35pm EST Jack was pacing back and forth, thinking about what to do next. Chloe walked into the lobby. “Chloe, get a hold of your agents and ask if they’ve picked up Bill yet,” Jack asked. “Jack, I’m sure they’ll…,” she began to say. “Just do it Chloe! I have to be sure…,” demanded Jack. Chloe walked to the phone, but before she could pick it up, it rang. She answered it. “O’Brian.” “Ms. O’Brain, he’s not here…,” said the agent. Chloe looked at Jack, and he immediately knew something was wrong. “What is it Chloe,” he asked? “They say he’s not there, Jack…,” Chloe said, as tears began to well up in her eyes. Jack hit the desk in frustration, knowing someone had taken Bill Buchanan; his friend and the President. He began to get emotional, but then snapped back into his role… apparently as the acting Director of CTU. “Chloe,” he said, “check the surveillance cameras inside the building and surrounding the facility.” Chloe began to ask someone to do it, but Jack stopped her. “Chloe, I need you to do this.” She nodded and walked to the computer, beginning to realize what had happened. A few moments later, she called out. “Jack… I’ve got something.” “What is it?” “It looks like Bill answering the intercom, and then he leaves, and enters a dark sedan. They drive off, but out of sight of the cameras.” “Rewind that… what is that,” asked Jack. Chloe zoomed the camera in and replayed that portion of the video. “It’s just a briefcase…” Jack stared blankly at the screen. “That’s not just a briefcase.” “Chloe, get Audrey on the line and tell her that Bill Buchanan and the Nuclear Football have been taken,” says Jack, realizing this was only the beginning. 9:59:57pm EST 9:59:58pm EST 9:59:59pm EST 10:00:00pm EST [END]

mjhunter	Latest page update: made by mjhunter , Jan 20 2009, 11:28 PM EST (about this update About This Update Edited by mjhunter 90 words added 111 words deleted view changes - complete history)
	Keyword tags: None More Info: links to this page

Threads for this page

Post a new thread

There are no threads for this page. Be the first to start a new thread.