past and future, III
Title: past and future, III Author: callisto24 Charakters: Jack, Tony, Chase Category: drama, m/m slash Theme: post season 3 Rating: NC-17 Warnings: violence, drugs, non-con Disclaimer: nothing belongs to me, no money made...
He opened his eyes, suddenly unaware of where he was. Astonished he recognized himself lying in his bed, undressed. His head hurt as if a train would run through it, again and again and again. Usually in this state he wouldn ‘ t have made it into his bed, at least he would lie there in his clothes, hating himself for his weakness. He tried to rise, but sank back with a sigh. His head throbbed and a permanent ringing in his ears made every clear thought impossible. ‘ Damnit, would he ever learn to stay away from this poison? ’ He couldn ‘ t remember momentarily what might have caused the urge to drink himself into oblivion. What could have made yesterday harder to bear than any other day? An iron grip touched his heart, pressed it together, squeezed until he started to struggle for air. His stomach turned, when the memories came back, slowly, but inevitably. “No,” he gasped. No dream! He could feel it on the sheets, could smell it in his room, the smell of Chase and him. He nearly started to laugh. This can ‘ t be true, impossible, that he had done something abominable like that, that Chase had... ! Carefully he lifted his head and tried to raise his upper body in order to throw a glance through the room. No sign of Chase, no clothes, his own ones properly arranged on the single chair. He couldn ‘ t help but finally laugh with the sight, though the effort seemed to send thousands of burning arrows through his brain. His throat hurt from the desperate chuckles, which forced their way out. The laughing grew louder, a heavy and bitter sound, changed into coughing, bringing tears into his eyes. “Perfect,” he croaked. You only have to think, that it couldn ‘ t come worse and surely it will. What a mess! If there had ever existed a night that should be forgotten forever and under any circumstances, it had to be this one. And Chase? He had no idea, what could be the matter with this kid. Which demon on earth would make him act this way? And Jack had really no intention to ask himself this question, to torture himself with further thoughts, which only would lead to the same conclusion, they always did. To the sincere knowledge that again he had messed up, completely. Whatever signals he might have sent, whatever he had said or done in his drunken state, probably Chase hadn ‘ t found a way to react as he normally would do, as he should have done. Jack shook his head, winced in pain and decided to get up at least. He was more than thirsty, his tongue burnt from its dryness and he needed some painkillers, some really strong painkillers. God, how he craved for a fix. There shouldn ‘ t be any real physical addiction anymore, but his whole body screamed in unfulfilled need, a need that would stay with him, the either or the other way, but would always exist in the depths of his mind, ‘til the day he would die. Head down, eyes on the floor he got up and fought his way until he reached the bathroom. Time to forget, time to look forward, time to see Tony.
* * * * *
“Where have you been?” Kim mumbled, half asleep. “Sharon wanted to say ‘good night’. She had been really annoying with her questions.” Chase looked at the ceiling like he had done for hours, unable to speak, unable to move. Kim turned to him, laid her arm across his chest and nuzzled his neck. “Thought you only wanted to get some cigarettes and check on Dad.” “Yes,” he managed to answer. She leant up onto one arm and stroke tenderly his cheek. “I fear, you don ‘ t have to explain. I have a good idea about what ‘ s going on between you and Jack.” “Y - you have... ?” Chase stuttered in disbelief. “Sure.” She smiled and placed a kiss on his forehead. “Regarding this one subject, you two are so alike.” “What?” Chase whispered, eyes suddenly wide open, his heart pounding in shock. “It had never, ... never... .” “Don ‘ t think I ‘ m stupid, darling! I spent my whole life dealing with a father, who has been obsessed by his work, each single moment of his existence. And I know you! So, what had he told you in order to convince you to return? CTU needs you? It ‘ s a question of national security? They have a situation, and you are the only one who can deal it? Believe me! I know this shit, all of it.” Chase shook his head, slowly releasing the breath from his lungs. “It ‘ s not... .“ Kim pushed her sheets away and stood up quickly. “I ‘ m not ready to hear more. You only should learn one thing: I won ‘ t accept it. I ‘ ve lost my father more than once on this, but I won ‘ t loose you.” She returned, kissed him on his cheek, “We ‘ ve talked about it and you ‘ d agreed... for Angela. Your kid deserves a father who cares.” And then she left and he still could sense her in the room, her freshness, her beauty and her determination. She was so different, but then she was just like him, he could see Jack in every move she made, in every word she spoke. This had been the reason why he ‘ d fallen in love with her. If he couldn ‘ t have him, it was her, he needed with every piece of his heart and soul. And he couldn ‘ t have him, it would never come true. He closed his eyes, tried to bury the memory, which radiated in his mind like the brightest stars shining through the darkest nights, tried to bury it deep inside, tried it with all the strength he could gather, still tried when Kim returned, a whining Angela on her arms. And when the little girl crawled over the bed - covers to her dad, cuddled on his lap, niggling, as if she would accuse him of neglecting her, he gave up trying, took her with his right arm, held her tight and begged silently for forgiveness.
* * * * *
One of them landed a punch to the side of Tonys head, then another in the vicinity of his kidneys. The next seconds were a blur, pain and movement too swift to recall. Tony found himself face down on the floor. “Now show the little faggot who makes the rules around this place.” “Let me up,” Tony demanded, unwilling to let them see his fear, to let these men know how much they scared him. “Not yet, fag,” Carmine told him roughly. “It ‘ s party time.” Tony struggled, but he was hold firmly in his position. “Pants down!” He heard the familiar deep voice of the man, only called ‘ The Boss ‘ among the prisoners. “I will teach you how to react, if I want you in my bed. “ Hands reached under him, pulled his trousers down, below his hips. He trembled from cold or from fear. “No,” he pleaded. “Don ‘ t.” Someone grabbed his hair, yanked his head back and then smashed his face down to the ground. He felt blood in his mouth, his nose seemed broken. Groggy, nauseated, he was no longer able to fight them. Hands took his pants all the way off, spread his legs and then he sensed something hot and hard and big shoving in. It hurt, the dry penetration felt like he was stabbed clean through his guts and he screamed, louder than he had ever screamed before. The moving started, in and out and the pain became an agony. It went on and on, the ramming seemed to last an eternity. Tony wished, that he could pass out, that it would be over, but he remained conscious, feeling, knowing each moment what was happening, until the man above him stilled, grunted and exploded within him to the applause of the men surrounding them. The man pulled out and Tony gritted his teeth, his insides went cold, when he heard him speak. “Who ‘ s next? I warmed him up pretty good.”
* * * * *
“What does that mean? I can ‘ t see him!” “Please, Mr. Bauer! Calm down. You certainly don ‘ t want to upset the other visitors.” Jack looked around, met the amazed eyes of wives, friends and children, waiting patiently, and the amused features of some prisoners on the other side of the room, happy about each diversion from their daily monotony. “Not my problem! I ‘ m here to see Mr. Almeida, and you won ‘ t prevent me from doing so.” “That isn ‘ t at all my intention, Agent Bauer.” The man started to become nervous. “Fact is, that he isn ‘ t in this building anymore.” “Then tell me, where he is,” Jack growled at him, hardly able to maintain control. “ I... I ‘ m not allowed to... .” The young prison guard stuttered, unsteady looking around for help. “Besides, you are no family, I don ‘ t think... .” Jack shoved him back, pinned the young man at the wall, pressing his forearm against the other ones throat, holding him tight until he was unable to make a move. “Tell me where he is - NOW,” he barked, accompanied by approving whistles and cheers. The man turned white, then red, when he desperately struggled for air. “Ho- hospital wing,” he managed to croak, before he was released.
Jack felt himself violently pulled away, handcuffed and dragged outside in a moment.
“Are you insane?” the prison director shouted at him, when five armed men tugged him into his office. “You are a federal agent and attacking one of my guards? I won ‘ t tolerate this behaviour here. Give me the name of your superior!”
Jack breathed heavily, then looked down as if in shame, quietly starting to speak. “I ‘ m sorry, Sir! It ‘ s just, I ‘ m worried about my friend.”
“Seems so, “ the other man replied dryly, watching him testing, then nodded at the guards, who stepped aside, one of them undoing the handcuffs. Jack remained, where he had stood, his view still modestly on the cold grey stone floor, perfectly aware of the impression he would submit. And he didn ‘ t missed his aim. A short smile twitched over the directors face, before he started to go through his files on the desk. “Almeida, right?” He studied the papers for a second. “Yes, he had been brought into the hospital wing this morning. I ‘ m afraid, you can ‘ t see him.” Jack clenched his fists until his fingernails bored painfully into his skin. He bit his lower lip, eyes still on the ground. “Excuse me, Sir,” he said, suppressing the fear and anger, which tossed up his blood like an approaching hurricane. “I ‘ m right now Tonys only connection to his wife, who isn ‘ t in town these days and I ‘ m sure she also really would appreciate your kindness, if you were telling me what happened with him.” The director sighed. “I ‘m sorry, Mr. Bauer, I can ‘ t do it.” “Then just let me see him, please!” Jack knew he was begging, but he couldn ‘ t help, couldn ‘ t think straight anymore this moment. He looked up, saw the trace of a grin on his opposites face and knew there would be no chance for permission.
“I assure you, Mr. Bauer, there is no need to worry. Mr. Almeida is in best hands, he ‘ s fine, and I ‘ m sure, tomorrow, you can see him as usual. So relax, take a day off and you ‘ll see, that everything will turn out to be exactly as it should.” Jack stared at him, recognized the icy coldness in his bright grey sight, sensed the mixed emotions emitting from the armed men behind him and at last bowed his head again.
“Thank you, Sir,” he murmured and let the guards lead him out of Director Carlyles office, who sat down and smirked slightly. ‘When would these naive people ever learn, that there existed a reason why scum like this had to spent its life in jail. Throwing away the key and forgetting about them, that would be the best thing, sentimental folks like this could do. Thank God, there was him and his ability to keep things in relation.’ A knocking on the door woke him from his daydream. “What is it?” he called out, annoyed for the disturbance. A quick glance over the monitors assured him, that everything was quiet. No answer! Cursing he stood up and opened the door, catching the man, who had leant against it, in his arms. “What the... .” A sight across the hallway told him what he already knew. “Shit!” He let go of the guard who crashed on the hard floor, hastened for the alarm button. “To the hospital wing,” he barked into the microphone. “Illegal invade! Caution! The man is dangerous, probably armed.” He turned the man on the ground, looking for his weapon. “Confirmation. Intrader is armed.” “Son of a bitch!” He kicked against the desk. “Not in my prison!”
* * * * *
Jack hid in a distant storage room, fighting his fury, which wanted to make him scream, to use the guns he had taken from these stupid guards, fighting his urge to run to the part of the building where he could find Tony, where he could take him into his arms and make sure, that he would be alright. The steps were gone and he carefully moved, found his way, remembering exactly the plans, he had studied a long time ago, when the decision had been made where Tony would have to live for the following years. No doubt about the way he had to go. He grabbed the man from behind, pointed the gun to his head. “What happened?” he hissed. “Talk or you ‘ ll be dead. The other one stopped fighting back, when he noticed the weapon, tried to recognize the aggressor. “You have no chance here,” Hobbs brought out, only gaining a push by Jacks gun. “You ‘ ve heard me. What happened to Almeida?” “Agent Bauer!” He coughed. “There had been nothing we could have done, I swear.” “Bullshit!” Jack shoved him against the wall, pressing the gun forcefully against Hobbs head, whispered dangerously into his ear. “You know my files, you know I ‘ ll do it!” he threatened. “You ‘ re crazy,” the other man panted. “This won ‘ t change anything.” “This will change everything for you, believe me!” Jacks voice sounded calm and cold as ice. No emotion left he held the guard in his deadly embrace, making it impossible for Hobbs to move. “Alright, alright! I ‘ ll tell you what you want.” Another rough push was the answer. “We have people here... .” The guard hurried to go on. “Inside, among the prisoners... . People with power, with influence..., connections... .” “You were supposed to tell me whatever would be necessary. I have connections, too.” “I... , we had been scared..., “ the man whined. “You have no idea what they can do to someone in my position.” “Sure!” Jack released him suddenly and when he turned around, kicked him against the belly, that he winced in pain. He grabbed his hair and again approached his ear. “I know very well, what they can do and I know what you and your colleagues should have done. This is not the end!” He knocked him out, using his gun, watched the man drop to the ground and went back to where he had come from.
* * * * *
“Nobody here! It ‘ s clear,” director Carlyle heard them shout. He whirled around. “Jones, Simmons,” he called, wild anger vibrating in his voice. “Check the files section! Keep the informations safe.” “Yes Sir,” the two hurried away while he decided to return into his office. “Exits remain shut, I won ‘ t get fooled in my prison,” he commanded. A view on his desk yet told him, that he already had been. The Almeida file was gone. He slammed his fist on to the place, where it had been. “Go to hell, Bauer,” he screamed. “Who do you think you are?”
* * * * *
“Tony, can you hear me, love?” Jack sat down, beside the bed, laid the gun carelessly on the nightstand and watched the man, who somehow looked small between the white sheets, the injuries clear visible on his handsome face, and the sight broke his heart. He propped his chin on one hand, hid his eyes behind the other one and whispered. “I ‘ m so sorry, Tony, so sorry.” He couldn ‘ t hold back his tears. This was all his fault. If he only had cared more, had done more or maybe had done less, if he had acted more deliberately, if he had thought a little longer, maybe Tony wouldn ‘ t lie here, maybe he wouldn ‘ t still be in jail, maybe he wouldn ‘ t ever had been thrown into this situation. A sob escaped his lips. “Jack,” the soft voice called him. “What are you doing here?” He looked up, met the dark eyes, glimmering in confusion. “What... .” Tony tried to sit up, but sank back with a sigh. “No, no, stay calm!” Jack jumped up and bent over him, touched tenderly his cheek with shivering fingers. “It ‘ s alright. You ‘ re safe here. Nobody would hurt you again, I promise.” “Jack, can you stay with me, please!” Tonys hand reached out for Jacks, who gripped it firmly. “Of course,” he assured and settled next to him, stroke lovingly the black strands back, out of the adored face.
“Mr. Bauer! Hands up! On your knees!” “Jack?” Tony opened his eyes in fear. “It ‘ s okay, Tony, everything ‘ s alright.” A smile ghosted over the blond agents face, he caressed featherly the other man ‘ s lips, before turning away. Rough hands pushed him violently to the ground, went coarsly through his clothes. “Don ‘ t think you can fool us again, son of a bitch. You really should be afraid of the consequences.” He felt them pulling him up and dragging him out of the room, passing the unconscious guard in front of the room, out of the wing, back into the prison tract where an angry director Carlyle awaited them eagerly. “I ‘ m not amused, Jack. You are in trouble now, believe what I say.” Jack raised his head determined. “Guess you ‘ re the one in trouble here, concerning to what is happening here under your responsibility. This might not have been a particular case.” “You dare... !” Carlyle exploded. Where do you think you are? What ‘ s about these people who are thinking that prison should be some kind of nice vacation. I have news for you. It isn ‘ t.” His voice grew louder until he nearly started to scream. “It is punishment. It has to be hard, it has to be brutal and you ‘ ll have to suffer from it.” Jack looked him straight into his eyes, without blinking, without twitching away.” “Seems to me, that some people have to suffer more from it than others.” Carlyle lashed out at him, causing Jack losing his balance, grabbed a cane from one of his men and hit him over his head until Jack went down to the ground. The director breathed heavily. “Into a cell with this bastard. Not the first agent who lost his mind in the line of duty.” He shook his head, wiped his hands with the towel near the sink. “We will cure him soon of his delusions, that ‘ s for sure.”
Jack came to, lying on the stony ground. His head hurt and when he reached up to touch it, his fingers found a wetness he soon recognized as his own blood. “Damnit,” he cursed and struggled to get up, feeling slightly dizzy, only to meet a pair of sparkling blue eyes in the dark. “Good morning, Mr. Agent!” The husky voice giggled and Jack noticed a pale face and nearly white short hair. “How long?” “Oh, these nice guys just brought you here, darling. They know how I crave for some entertainment.” “Well, I guess, I ‘ m the wrong person for that.” “Ah, you have no idea where I ‘ m able to find my pleasure. Besides... ,” he sighed, “I ‘ ve been told to stay away from you. Only, I don ‘ t know, if I could resist the temptation.” Jack leant against the wall. “You won ‘ t have a choice!” “Yeah.” The other man watched him from head to toe, sighed again. “Unfortunately I ‘ m not into violence. And though you ‘ re not tall, you look like you ‘ re able to fight.” Jack rubbed his forehead. “So, what am I doing here?” His opposite shrugged. “The ways of the Lord are unfathomable. But, “ he started to grin. “Mostly I ‘ m getting company when someone had pissed off the boss.” Jack raised his head. “Director Carlyle?” Frank looked amused. “You ‘ re kidding. The guy is as best his pet.” He laughed. “I have to correct myself. One of his pets in here.” “And you?” “Unfortunately, I ‘ m not his type, but he has a job for all of us.” “And who is he?” “You ‘ ll find out soon enough.” “Fine! So what is it, your job?” The other one sat back, folded contently his arms across his chest. “Maybe to scare guys like you a little bit, so that they are prepared for what will happen to them. At least that ‘ s the most fun to do.” Jack grinned a moment. “Will turn out to be a hard job, if you tried it with me.” Frank looked thoughtful, until he decided to answer slowly. “Yes, I ‘ d already gained the impression, that you are not easy to scare.” “That obvious?” “To me it is!” He paused a moment. “I ‘ ve seen your arms and the scars, clearly a result of experted torture. And... ,” he looked at him again. “I can see it in your eyes, that you ‘ ve been gone through more.” He nodded to himself. “I guess there might be probably nothing you hadn ‘ t seen yet, which is bad for you, but on the other hand... .” He paused again. “Maybe it ‘ s for the best, thinking about what you ‘ ll have to endure now.”
“Look!” Jack stood up, approached the other man. “This will be over soon. It ’s just a matter of time until things will change in here, and you still can join the right side. I ‘ m a federal agent and promise, I will do everything I can, if you ‘ re helping me.” Frank looked sceptical. “Doing what?” “Telling me for a start who is calling the shots in here.” “And ending up with my tongue cut out and a hole in my stomach big enough to climb through it.” “I can ‘ t imagine this being a secret.” “And I can tell you, that I ‘ve learnt it the hard way to keep my mouth shut.” Jack bowed his head. “I understand that.” “So, what are your plans to get out of this?” The agent grinned. “Sorry, I ‘ ve learnt the same lesson.”
“Enough talking, ladies. Break is over now.” Keys turned inside rusty locks. “No, Mike,” Frank pleaded. “Don ‘ t take this sweetie away from me. He ‘ s adorable. Please, have a heart, only a few more hours and I ‘ ll do everything, I promise.” “No chance, Francine! Carlyle seems to be in a hurry with your toy boy. A short pleasure this time, I ‘ m sorry.” “Well, then would you bring my deep references to Senor Corone. Might I... I mean, maybe would he allow me to join the others in the yard, sometimes? I swear, won ‘ t talk to any of his men, I ‘ ll stay away, if only... .” “Shut up! He still don ‘ t wants to see you. Get used to it.” “Okay, sure, like you said... ,” Frank shouted to their backs, when the men handcuffed Jack again and shoved him out of the cell, pushed him cruelly forward, made him stumble and fall against the rough walls until his face and hands felt sore because he couldn ‘ t avoid the painful collisions.
“Agent Jack, my God, what have you done?” Carlyle shook his head. “Seems like you hadn ‘ t been able to put things together already for a while.” He smirked. “Inquiries about your life turned out to be really interesting. I think nobody would wonder, if you crack up and loose your grip on reality. Perhaps some flashback, a drug induced wild imagination might cause you to attack someone who coincidentally will be stronger, more skillful than you in your present state, or simply possess a weapon. You won ‘ t believe what a clever prisoner can manufacture using a toothbrush and a match.“ He grinned maliciously. “Everybody around is telling me, that you are a broken man, that you are acting weird sometimes.” He sighed. “Unfortunately one of my guards probably will come too late to prevent the worst. Of course he would try everything and shoot your murderer, right Mike? So your files will be closed sooner, than you will be able to find your peace six feet under.” Jack looked up. “Very interesting, indeed. And now? What am I supposed to do to make your plan work?” “Nothing. We ‘ ll take care of everything.” His nasty smile burnt into Jacks mind leaving no doubt about the seriousness of his words. Again Jack was pushed around, this time downstairs, behind the heavy gates and extra bars, until they reached the closed tract. “You know, CTU will do thorough research.” “You don ‘ t believe this yourself, my friend,” Carlyle laughed half-hearted.
“Here we are.” They stopped in front of the last cell, appearing like the entrance to a larger suite. A tall, handsome man in his fifties sent a bright smile into their direction. He shook his shoulder-long dark hair and let silver grey strands glitter in the pleasant smooth light. White teeth sparkled, when he watched the newcomers from his comfortable armchair next to the small table covered by several laptops and notebooks. Carlyle cleared his throat. “Senor Corone, I ‘ m awfully sorry, that we have to disturb you. We should have been announced.” “You have been, Justin,” Corone answered and stroke his elegant slim beard. “So, you need a scapegoat and a situation. There shouldn ’ t be a problem. But what ‘ s in it for me and my boys?” “Uhm, “ Carlyle stuttered. “We can talk about the prize later, main point are the results which had to be final and unmistakable.” “Oh, they will be, don ‘ t worry.” “As long as I can rely on this, your ‘ re free to do whatever you and your guys want or need. I ‘ ll stay to our deal, you know?” “Glad to hear that again, Justin, I ‘ m sure you wouldn ‘ t dare to say anything different. “Our problem is... ,” the director squirmed. “ I don ‘ t know how much time we have, for he ‘ s... .” Corone raised a hand to stop him. “A federal agent, I ‘ ve been informed, pissed off by the little lesson we had to give his traitorous colleague.” Jacks head shot up and he stared at the man who obviously felt secure about his absolute power. A slanting smile jerked around Corones lips when he noticed the blonds attentiveness and he turned to him in a lower voice. “Can ‘ t say, I ‘ m sorry, Jack. He deserved it. You see, everyone has to fulfil my demands!” “Yet you ‘ re in jail, “ Jack couldn ‘ t help but throw in. “Oh, the guy is fun!” Finally Corone stood up and nodded at the handful of muscle packed men, who had hidden in the shadows before. “Leave him with us, my friend. It will be my pleasure to help you out of this.” They pushed Jack forward until he stood directly in front of the man who studied him carefully. “Maybe I ‘ ll tell you later why I prefer to run my business from here,” he grinned. Jacks eyes shot flames of pure hatred when Corones gaze dropped, remained still studying his crotch. “What a waste,” he sighed and winked to Carlyle. “You can go now. I ‘ ll let you know, when we ‘ re finished.” He watched him leave with the guards and approached one of his men. “Prepare the stuff and ask around who wants to take part.” He again looked at Jack. “Make it expensive, this is a special occasion and I want it more personnel. And we ‘ ll take the chance and get rid of Silvio, the motherfucker annoys me long enough.” unexpectedly he prevented the man from leaving. “Wait! He ‘ s a special agent, to make it believable we might need more than one.” He considered. “Choose someone, you know who ‘s dispensable.” “So Jack,” he turned back to the blond. “Don ‘ t think, that I ‘ m a monster, it ‘ s just I have some special likings.” He waved to one of the patiently waiting men in the background. “So, tell Mr. Agent here, what I like.” The strong guy came nearer, visibly enjoying the game. “The boss likes to see someone scream in pain. And very soon you will be the one.” Jack met his gaze. “You won ‘ t come through with it.” Corone laughed. “Oh dear, we ‘ d solved far more difficult problems. Though... ,” he took a step forward. “Though it ‘ s a pity. I can ‘ t remember being with a man like you. So many possibilities and so little time. But we ‘ ll try our best, right?” “We ‘ re ready here,” a voice sounded from the next room and Jack received a blow which made him move forward to the entrance. Another push caused him stumble and fall, but before he could hit the ground he felt himself lifted and dragged into the middle of a small and dark chamber. “Let ‘s talk about it,” he tried. “I have connections, too, connections you could use.” “Sorry sweatheart,” Corone showed up in front of him. “I ‘ m not stupid enough to take such a risk, no matter how enticing you appear to me with your blue eyes. Somehow Director Carlyle must anticipate my weakness for this colour. Could we cut them out at first?” He grinned at him. “Might help you, too, not being able to see what we ‘ re planning to do.” “Boss, don ‘ t you think, this could appear a little... suspicious?” Anger swept over the man. “Don ‘ t try to correct me. A bullet in the head and one in the stomach might be enough to destroy all traces imaginable.” He turned his attention back to Jack, while the chamber slowly filled with amazingly well-groomed men, who started to unpack sharp knives, ropes and some lighters. “Don ‘ t worry Jack, we are not planning a revolt. Our weapons fulfil another purpose.” “You ‘ re crazy,” Jack whispered, incapable of remaining silent anymore. Corone giggled, an insane expression distorted his features, when he ripped Jacks shirt open, slid his fingers down the bare chest. “I ‘ ve heard you are experienced,” he hissed excitedly. “But I promise, you will learn a new meaning of the word ‘pain’ today.” Jack winced, when Corone discovered a fresh wound and pressed into it. He slowed his breath and prepared himself for whatever would happen, sharpening his senses for the occurences outside his body, for the sights and sounds outside this place, outside this room. And he noticed them, noticed a change, felt it in the air. He gasped, when Corone laid the rope around his throat and pulled it together with force. He screamed when the first knive was stabbed into his guts, when his skin was burnt, but he knew it would be over soon. Corone watched him smile despite the pain and he raged with fury, leaving his place, joining the men kicking into the bloody wounds, joining Jacks screams, not out of pain, but out of pure fury, until it stopped. Until it all stopped. Until Jack heard them breaking through the gates, running through the hallways and storming into the room, he was tortured in. Noise and shots and men trying to flee fulfilled the small room, when Jack collapsed to the ground. “Jack, Mr. Bauer... ! We need medical service here,“ he recognized the trusted, deep voice. “Tony...!” he managed to hiss, before a new wave of pain rolled over him. “We have him secured, Jack, he ‘ s already on his way into a hospital, where he will be checked up properly.” Jack heard the man breathe in, when he bent over him. “Thank God, you called me at the right time. Now I will take care of the situation, nobody will get away with this, I swear.” Jack opened his eyes and looked into the honourable dark face. “Thank you, Mr. President,” he whispered before he finally fell into unconsciousness.
David Palmer stood up, making room for the ambulance men. He opened his vest and called a member of the special unit. “Curtis! You go and report the incident to CTU. Make sure it will be noted, that we were able to find them soon enough because we followed the signal Agent Bauer had placed next to Mr. Almeidas room. Without him using his technical skills, we would have been too late, that ‘ s for sure.” He shook his head in disbelief. “He will have to explain more than enough, we should help him wherever we can.” Curtis nodded, accepting the order, only wondering for a moment what special connection might exist between the former President and the passed out agent, who was carried away, while the already chained prisoners grinned at his men, well knowing, that there wouldn ‘ t be a real change for them. Prisoners they were and prisoners they would be in future, no matter how far they would go away from this jail.