past and future, chapter 11 title: past and future, XI author: callisto24 fandom: 24 characters: Jack, Chase genre: drama, m/mslash theme: post season6, Spoilers for preview and trailer rating: R disclaimer: nothing belongs to me, no money made warnings: unbetaed * * * * * The fog appeared thick, cold and impenetrable. He stumbled forward, not knowing where to go, not knowing why he had to move. He searched for something, something important, but couldn ‘ t remember what it was. From time to time he sensed a familiar gaze resting on him, comforting him only for a short moment until it vanished, leaving him more desperate in the coldness than before. He knew it wasn ‘ t a dream, it wasn ‘ t reality either. He existed in a world between, longing for one man to set him free, for the only man, who would be able to, but who was dead by now. Jack opened his eyes, feeling the grey fog retreating, being replaced by the darkness he was used to hide inside. He stared into the black nothingness, let the numbness overtake the lead. No need to search, to desire, to long for a change. An eternity alone in this cell, only his guilt, his grieve and his hopelessness to keep him company. They had tortured him, tricked him, made him do and say things he hated himself for. But they hadn ‘ t succeeded in making it worse, nobody could. So he had gotten accustomed to endure the days, the hours, the seconds, one after another, sometimes still wondering if there could be found a reason behind, a sense, a meaning, soon recognizing how worthless any effort like this would be and therefore thankfully sinking back into emotionless blackness, surrounding him like a heavy coat, which crushed him merciless to death, slowly, but inevitably.
* * * * * But then, some day, suddenly there was a change. He didn ‘ t notice it at first, couldn ‘ t tell what it was, what it had caused, but something invisible tried to reach him, fought its way through the numbness, through the pain. It was a voice, sometimes he heard it, low, in the distance, and it touched a special place inside him, a place, which wasn ‘ t dead, which had been buried deep, so deep he had forgotten its existence. He hadn ‘ t cared, hadn ‘ t allowed it to stir his mind, but it never went away, stayed next to him until his deaf senses started to react, at least a little bit, until he woke up for a second or two, staring against the walls of his dark cell, trying to remember, what it was, that made him feel his heartbeat again, made him notice, that he was breathing, that he was eating and drinking and still alive, keeping some memories inside, which were, among all the horrors of his past, worth to be preserved. He hadn ‘ t paid attention to his surroundings for a long time and he fought against each emotion trying to invade his dark world, but he couldn ‘ t stop his feelings rushing back to him with strong, violent power. And he received vibes from his guards, a short smile, when he got his food, a soft word, when he was brought back from an interrogation or sometimes a friendly gaze from dark, exotic eyes. They started to relax in his presence, got accustomed themselves to the situation, which might be uncomfortable for them as well. Guarding or torturing a prisoner for months wasn ‘ t a heroic task, especially in this culture. More kind of a punishment, a disgrace for their lifes and family. But they weren ‘ t resisting, just as he hadn ‘ t been able to resist the things he had been told to do for the sake of his country, his president, his people. It ‘ s what the world makes go round, what mankind makes move forward. To believe in a cause, to fight for it without allowing a single doubt, to give everything, until there is nothing left but the uncertain knowledge deep inside, that maybe you were mistaken from the start, that maybe things aren ‘ t like they seemed to be, that maybe you had relied on the wrong issues or people, that maybe your life was a big, bottomless lie. He blinked into the darkness, when he heard it again. Some guards talking outside of his cell, complaining about the quality of the food, comparing their times of work. It wasn ‘ t easy, but by the time he had become able to understand most of their talking, had discovered them using a language he had received lessons in during his training. Different accents showed him, that they came from different parts of the country, brought him to the conclusion, that he must be in a central place of this huge country, a military base probably, where even if he would plan an escape, chances to succeed might be nearly impossible. And he listened to the words, his confusion growing. What was the reason for his suddenly awaking interest, it made no sense to him. But despite of all rational objections, he discovered a slight implication on intimacy, on something driven away a long time ago, something he had forgotten almost completely. It was his voice, though it was talking in another language, but it was this voice he knew too well. And he remembered, remembered accusations, guilt and painful doubts. But then there had been more, there had been closeness, heat and passion. And trust, a trust he hadn ‘ t been able to reciprocate. His fingers went through his long and filthy hair. What was he doing here? What the hell had brought Chase to China?
* * * * * He still couldn ‘ t believe he really was here, was that close to Jack, parted only by a few walls, that they were near like this, but same time separated more than ever before. Though his cover was brilliant, it was proof for Chloes and her friends around the worlds skills in technology, that the background they had created on him, was convincing enough to allow him access into a secure place like this one. It had taken him only a few months more than a year and the use of presented corruptibility, which could be found wherever to go on this earth, until he finally had gotten this job. He had become used to the strange glances his unusual appearance caused, wherever he went, though he wore his hair now short and black and most people had to look twice at him to notice, that it was the colour of his eyes, what irritated them. Nobody doubted his past as an ambassador child, who had willingly changed sides, glad to get rid of the false values ruling the western world. And now he was here, next to him, feeling his presence, sensing him, though he hadn ‘ t been able to see him until now. He needed to be patient, patient and clever, in spite of the fire eating him up from the inside, telling him to break the walls between them, to drag him outside of this dark place, to keep him and hold him and to never let him go. But he had to wait, had to fight his longing, had to hold on until the situation would allow him to act. * * * * *
“Why is he still here, when he ‘d already talked?” The young guard shrugged. “I don ‘ t know. The man is a wreck, there ‘ s nothing more to gain from him.” Everyone here wonders why he ‘s still so carefully guarded. It ‘ s ridiculous to believe, that he would have the strength even to try an escape. He never showed any sign of an intention to make the effort.” “Rumours are, that he has been a dangerous agent, a fighter,” Chase mentioned. “Maybe... . But that ‘ s the past,” the other man said absent-mindly. “Have you ever seen him?” “No,” Chase answered. “Still needed in the other part of the base.” “You hadn ‘ t missed a thing. The guy is a shell, ready to die, if you ‘ d ask me.” “So... you would allow me to talk to him?” “Can ‘ t see, why you would want to. The wish alone means more trouble than it could be worth it.” “That ‘s why I ask you,” Chase smiled. “I know that you aren ‘ t afraid of trouble.” “Had enough of it yet. If my father hadn ‘ t used his influence I would have to spend my time in a still more uncomfortable position.” The handsome Chinese smiled and blinked at him. “I understand, that you are curious, would be for sure, if I was in your situation. But the guy might have been a man with a certain reputation, now he ‘ s nothing more than a convicted criminal, who refuses to speak.” “No word?” Chases opposite shook his head determined. “Even the screams had stopped. And my english skills aren ‘ t sufficient enough to be able to tell you, what it has been about. Could have been a name he had called often at night, but the cries had stopped too. As I told you, he ‘ d given up.” “However, I ‘ d love to try.” The guard reciprocated the friendly excusing look with another smile. “You have a lot to learn. Compared to you, I feel like an old wise man. Nice for a change. But I ‘ ve warned you. You won ‘ t learn anything new.” “Thanks man, I owe you one.” “Won ‘ t forget. And - hey - I ‘ m somehow curious too. Not so much into secrets.” He remained silent for a while. “Besides... he hadn ‘ t deserved a treatment like this, whatever he might have done. He ‘ s broken now. Probably he only had done his job. And he never behaved like the usual american prisoner. No sign of arrogance, obviously he respects and honours our culture, like one of us would honour his, if situations would be changed. So... maybe you can find out, why they are so much after him. He really must have pissed someone off.” “And the best chance I ‘ d still have next week?” “Reduced staff... and special trainings... shouldn ‘ t be a problem. You only have to be prepared, when I ‘ ll notify you.” Chase nodded, his facial expression wooden, hiding his fear, ignoring his wild pounding heart, which seems to defend the knowledge, that it was forced to wait any longer, to hold still, to remain patient, though the thought of being parted from Jack any longer squeezed it like an orange, painfully, merciless, leaving him nothing to feel, but the constant ache, he couldn ‘ t get rid of.
* * * * * “Five minutes,” the guard hissed. “Not a second more.” “Sure,” Chase watched the other man fumbling for the different keys to open the door. He was alone this day using the chance to let him in, to allow him a few words with the prisoner, who still seemed to be a riddle to the men. The door opened noisily and Chase at first couldn ‘ t see anything else than pure blackness. A silent rustling from the distant corner was the only sign, that their appearance had been noticed. Chases mouth went dry. He wasn’ t able to understand his sudden panicking. After all the time he had spent waiting, struggling, fighting to come to this point, the fear threatened to overwhelm him. And he had no idea of what he was afraid of. He gulped noisily. This wasn ‘ t the time for hesitating. “Thank you,” he croaked nervously to the guard, who nodded and closed the door, leaving them alone in the darkness. “Jack.... it ‘ s me... ,” Chase whispered, listening to his own shaking voice, which seemed to belong to a stranger. He stared into the darkness, desperately longing for an answer, not caring about what it would say. “What do you want?” The words came low and husky, as if the speaker wasn ‘ t used to form them. “I... I... . Jack, I want to help you.” Silence spread in the small cell, where Chases eyes slowly accustomed to the lack of light. He started to make out a small shape, cowering in the distant corner, nearly invisible between the grey and stoney walls. Nothing but the smell of fear and the heavy burden of hopelessness reached Chases senses, and he shivered, exhausted by the efforts of the past months, doubting for the first time, that he was doing the right thing. * * * * * Chase licked his lips, unsure about what to do or to say. He wished to close the distance, to approach the hidden figure. He desired to hug him, to hold him, to protect him, to embrace and touch him everywhere, to deny whatever the future hold for them. But he was too scared... more than simply frightened, scared to death. And it wasn ‘ t only his own fear, he could sense. What he felt contained the horror of weeks, months, years, enclosed in a place like that. He tried to swallow, cleared his throat feeling dizzyness reach out for him, before he put up his strength to step closer. “Jack - we ‘ ve not much time. I only want you to know, that I ‘ ll get you out of here.” Finally he discovered Jacks skinny body leaning with his back against the wall, his knees upturned as if he intended to hide behind them. But his arms were hanging down, motionless, limp, powerless on his sides. Chase felt the hollow gaze following him though it seemed to cut straight through him without noticing. “Don ‘ t Chase!” “What?” The young man glanced at him, startled, while Jack moved his lips again, forming toneless words, none of the two could hear. He closed his eyes, his head sank forward, until his face was covered by the filthy long hair reaching his shoulders. “Jack.... !” Chase longed to touch it, to stroke its unfamiliar length, reaching over his shoulders. He wanted to grab the smaller man, to shake him awake violently, to catch him and pull him out of this place. But he stayed paralyzed in the coldness of the moment, frozen helplessly with the sight of the shattered pieces of a man he once had admired, he had looked up to, the man, he had loved. Thousands of times he had imagined this situation, yet in this moment all his hopes, his strength faded away. “Jack,” he repeated. “Please.... listen to me!” “No!” The husky voice answered low, muffled by the curtain of dark looking hair hiding the painful features. “I have to stay here. There is no way, no reason for you to get involved in this.” “Jack.... !” The words died in his throat. The head flipped up. Flaming eyes stared down to the bottom of Chases yearning soul. “I won ‘ t go with you, Chase. Never!” “You can ‘ t mean that, Jack... please. There is hope for you, I swear. I won ‘ t let you down” Jack closed his eyes again, slowly one arm came up to cover his gaze. “That ‘ s... .” Chase stopped, took two steps forward, fell on his knees and threw his arms around the broken shape, pressing him closer to his own touch-starved body, letting his actions speak instead of his words. Jacks shudder shook them both, yet it remained the only reaction Chase received. Immobilized like a hard cold stone, the young man couldn ‘ t feel him respond in any way to his emotional outbreak. Frozen in place, his face still protected by one arm, Chase wasn ‘ t able to make out any sign of life in the prisoner. Unable to draw back he stayed on his knees, burying his face in the other mans hair, in the bow between neck and shoulder. He rubbed against the spot, remembering its softness, but feeling nothing but bones, and tendons. Yet he couldn ‘ t let go, clinging to the man, not caring if he reacted or not, if he welcomed the touch or tried to refuse it. And suddenly he heard it, a slight sob escaped the invisible lips, strongly suppressed, but undeniable in its desperation. Chases fingers came up to pull Jack even closer, they whirled through the silken curls, urging Jack to lean his head against his chest, moving his mouth across the mess of unwashed, uncamped hair, even loving the sharp smell of it. The key turned in the lock with a squeaking sound and they parted in shock, Jack at once covering his features again, before Chase could see the salty water dripping from his eyes. Chase stumbled slightly, but managed to stand up, before the weak light from the hallway penetrated the dark cell. “I ’ m coming back,” he whispered nearly audible. “I will be back soon.” * * * * *
“So, you already knew him, huh?” The young guard blinked at Chase, after he ‘d shut the door. “Why are you saying that?” “Hey - I ‘ m neither deaf nor dumb.” “I... I ‘ m not..., “Chase stuttered helplessly. “Calm down, man. I know, you ‘ d met a lot of people, you prefer not to talk about,before you came here. No need to be ashamed. I understand that. Everyone carries his past with him.” “Yeah.” Chase hesitated, glanced at the man, who tried to hide his curiosity. “I ‘ m..., “ Chase sighed. “Yes, I know him... . It ‘ s been a while, but... but he ‘ d left an impression.” “Obviously! And now, don ‘ t tell me that you ‘ ll leave it like that. I bet you ‘ ve something in your mind.” Chase shook his head. “I don ‘ t know what you mean.” “Come on!” The other man bolted the door audibly and turned to Chase. “Don ‘ t try to fool me. I ‘ ve seen that gaze before.” “Really - I ‘ ve just been curious.” Chase shrugged. “And you were right. Hadn ‘ t learned anything from him.” “Well.” The guard looked sceptically. “Maybe you should go now, before someone starts to wonder what you ‘re doing here.” Chase nodded and went quietly around the next corner without looking back. He raised an arm to greet but resisted the temptation to ask for another opportunity to see Jack. Yet he knew, that the other man must be aware of the fact how important the last minutes had been for him. He fought back the urge to trust him, to invite him into his plans, though he supposed, that there would exist a chance for help. But he couldn ‘ t risk to open up, too much depended on him succeeding. If he couldn ‘ t deal with it on his own, Jack would be damned to stay in here forever. Chase quickened the pace, headed for a place to retreat. He had to consider the situation, had to overwork his plan, to take care of the possibility, that Jack wouldn ‘ t be able to help him, that he maybe would make things more difficult than they already were. * * * * *
Jack listened to the steps disappearing, before he slid down the wall, curling up on one side. He heard the beating of his heart loudly in his ears, chasing away each further emotion, each thought. He kept his eyes shut firmly, feeling the wetness behind his lids, fighting its way to freedom. But he wouldn ‘ t allow himself to give in, to give in more, than he ‘ d already done. He cursed his weakness, his inability to build up a front between him and Chase, like he should have done. The stupid boy could nothing do but make himself get killed. There was no other way than making it absolutely clear, that Chase had to go, as long as he had the possibility and before he would regret it. Jack tried to embrace himself harder until it hurt. He didn ‘ t want to think, he was too tired, too exhausted to concentrate, too spent to be able to form a concrete thought. * * * * *
Chase had prepared himself carefully. Different weapons were fixed along his body, enough ammunition to defend Jack and him in case they would need to, though he hoped it wouldn ‘ t be necessary. The doors he ‘d had access to, he had already unlocked, the few remaining were ready to open with a small explosion he could trigger by entering a code. There hadn ‘ t been an opportunity to talk to Jack again, and he only could hope, that he would cooperate. Even if not... Chase gulped with the memory of the man, who had seemed to be weak enough, that he would have no problems to force him wherever he wanted to. Chase ignored the ache in his heart. He would have time later to deal with Jacks mental or physical state. They only had to come free at first, the rest could wait. The car was hidden nearby and as soon as he would transfer the message a small plane would start, pick them up and head for the frontier, where their final escape shouldn ‘ t be a problem anymore. Chase knew how much he owed the people, who had helped him coming so far and not only money. But nothing would ever matter, if he only had Jack safe with him.
He controlled his guns before shoving it back into ist holder. There wouldn ‘ t be another opportunity like that. The only challenge would be to knock out the guards, a task he was really up to. Chase glanced at his watch. Still two hours til dawn, the night was incredible silent, the atmosphere tense, nearly filled with electricity. Chase took a deep breath, concentrated on the slow, quiet movements his breathing caused, and left the small shed he had stayed in during the last hours. He passed the outer guards quickly, who were sleeping noisily as a consequence of the drink he ‘d offered them earlier. He sneaked closer to his aim. A blow from behind sent one of the three men separating him from Jack into oblivion. For the next part he required more luck than he deserved. Chase lurked around for an instant. Two men standing besides the door, tired and probably bored. To his relief Chase discovered the guard, who ‘ d already helped him, he hadn ‘ t been sure, if he would meet him here again. He sucked in the air around him. Surprise had to do it. Chase practically stormed the last steps, not caring anymore, if he could be heard. The men reacted fast, but not fast enough. Before they were able to use their weapons, Chase sent one of them into oblivion with a forceful blow over his head. Without a sound the man collapsed, while the other guard hesitated an instant too long. “What... ,” he managed to say, staring at him in wonder, before Chase knocked him out. With shivering fingers he removed the keys from the consciousless mans waist, after he ‘ d handcuffed and gagged the two men quickly. “Jack,” he whispered, when he opened the door with a sound making him shudder involuntarily. “Jack... it ‘ s me.” He swallowed hardly. “Time to go now.”
A stream of light fell into the cell, yet left the most of it in deep shadows. Jack stood there avoiding the brightness, blinking against the light. The paleness of his face made Chases heart squirm. He stared at the slim shape he could recognize properly for the first time, looking lost and frightened in the baggy clothes hanging around him. “Jack,” he whispered again, trying to get a grip on himself, to overcome the shock, the disturbing emotions the sight had caused. “Please... come.” The dark gaze flickered, couldn ‘ t meet his eyes and then vanished, when the head dropped down in surrender, when the features were gone again. “I can ‘ t,” the hoarse voice answered. “Go Chase, go now... .” “I won ‘ t leave without you. I ‘ ll take you with me if you agree or not.”
“Can’t..., “ Jack shook his head and tensed, when he felt Chase approaching him slowly but inevitably. “I ‘ m sorry,” the younger man breathed, gathering his strength to take Jack with him against will. A cold breeze told him, that he was in trouble, made him curse the effect Jack still possessed on him, forcing Chase’s complete attention on nothing else beside the man in front of him as soon as he found himself in his presence. Too late to react he just winced, when the hard voice from behind cut the silence. “Freeze, traitor! And now... raise your hands... not too fast!” Chase didn ‘ t react at first. He looked at Jack, who still avoided his gaze. The skinny figure seemed to crumble, to become smaller, more defeated than ever before, when Chase obeyed, raised his arms in quiet submission, unsure about his own feelings. This shouldn ‘ t happen, he couldn ‘ t allow their escape to end before it had started. But he couldn ‘ t deny the disturbing feelings of a strange kind of relief flowing through his body in an unexpected intensity. No desparation, no cursing of his carelessness, he only sensed the wild pounding of his heartbeats calming down, becoming quiet, close to vanishing completely. “Turn around!” From far away he heard the command and silently prayed for Jack looking up at him, if only for once. But he didn ‘ t and when Chase refused to move, a blow hit him hard. He sank onto his knees, welcoming the blackness embracing him. * * * * * The pain in his head made him groan, a familiar sound bringing Chase back to consciousness. “What the... .” He tried to move his hands to examine the place aching, only to notice them bound behind his back. The darkness remained impenetrable for a while, time enough to become aware of his situation, to remember what had happened. Astonished about his own ability to stay quiet, to watch himself and his situation from a sudden distance, to remain calm as if a part of him had expected it all the time, as if he had even wondered, that he had come that far. And the other part questioned himself if he was somehow glad, that he had reached the end, that the responsibility had been taken out of his hands finally, that the pressure was gone. “Jack,” he whispered, knowing in ununderstandable clearness, that he wasn ‘ t alone, that the man he loved, he would give up everything for, was here with him. No answer, but Chase could sense him, could feel each emotion shaking the prisoner, who hid somewhere in the darkness, burying himself in his own loneliness. Hopeless as his situation was, Chase wasn ‘ t ready to give up, like Jack had done. Maybe it had to be like that. Maybe he had to be here simply to help Jack through it, stupid as it seemed, maybe he was meant to stay with him in this place from the start. “Jack, I know you ‘ re here,” he added low, trying to make out a shape, a move. And suddenly, mysteriously he knew where he had to look, knew where in the blackness Jack sat on the floor, a broken man, motionless, waiting, vanishing piece for piece from earth. “J... Jack, can you move?” He asked breathlessly, hoping, aching for a reaction, for the slightest of all answers. “Jack, please... say something... anything... .” Chase tried to sit up, a sharp hiss escaped his lips, when the pain shot through him. He was certainly bleeding, he could feel the wound, but didn ‘ t care. “Jack, I can ‘ t move... my hands are bound together... I.... .” He stopped, when sadness gripped him, threatened to suck him inside. What if he won ‘ t be able to reach Jack, if the man wasn ‘t himself anymore. He shivered with the sudden coldness surrounding him. “Jack... ,” he murmured once again, barely audible, trying to find a way to get up without stumbling and hurting himself still more. “I can ‘ t help you.” Jack ‘ s voice came from far away, shaking and husky, nearly a croak. It clearly hadn ‘ t been used much the last months, Chase noticed for the first time. “Why not?” He asked him carefully, tried not to spook him. “I ‘ m not allowed to.” “Have they told you that?” “They don ‘ t need to.” “But... ,” Chase silenced confused, hoping Jack would express himself soon. And he wasn ‘ t deceived. “Whenever I ‘ m trying to help, things become worse... and... and somebody dies.” “No, that ‘s not... .” Chase cleared his throat, before he changed the subject. “Please Jack, can ‘ t you untie me?” He heard no answer, but could swear he listened to the other man shaking his head slightly. “Why not?” He asked him softly, trying to soothe the tension in the room. “You ‘ d helped me before, and I ‘ m still alive ... and well.” “You aren ‘ t Chase.” A hint of emotion vibrated with the words. “You shouldn ‘ t be here. It ‘ s my fault you are.” “No, it ‘ s not, Jack. My decision, mine alone! My fate! And whatever will happen, nobody else but me will be responsible.” “Leave it, Chase. It ‘ s over.... everything ‘ s over.” “Jack, please... .” The silence sank down on them again, like a thick coat suffocating what it covered. Chase struggled for air, squirming in his ties. “Jack!” Suddenly, unexpectedly he sensed a change, listened to a quiet scratching from the ground, to the stiff body crawling laboriously nearer, resting just an inch away. “I can ‘ t untie you..., “ Jack murmured absent - mindly. “I would be punished and... you... .” Chase waited a moment before he spoke. “It ‘ s okay. I understand.” “I don ‘ t, “ Jack whispered. “I don ‘ t understand what you want. Don ‘ t you know, that the end will be horrible... more than that... . I don ‘ t want you to suffer like that.” “I won ‘ t, Jack. I promise. We will get out of here.” “No!” The older mans voice sounded more frightened, than he had ever heard it before. “I deserve it to die here, in this place, there is no other way for me.” “I... I love you... don ‘ t give up!” Chase pleaded, his mouth desert dry, his voice rough and breaking. “Jack... don ‘ t give up... for me... . I need you,... need you with me. We can do this together.. .” Exhaustion overwhelmed him and he sank back on the ground, unable to fight anymore, unwilling to keep up his strength. Carefully, tenderly arms embraced him, held him in a loose touch, seeming afraid to come closer. Chase sighed, when electricity shot through him, chased away his desparation in an instant, woke him up immediately. He tried to sit up again, to lean into the soft hug and suddenly felt himself pulled up, taken firmly into the shaking arms he had missed, he had dreamt of each night during the last years. Snuggling nearer to the warmth of the other man ‘ s body, he rested, thankful for the moment, not caring how long it might last.
Skilful fingers worked on his bonds, freed his arms at last. And his hands came up automatically, wandered around Jack ‘ s neck, expressing their own will with determination. He hugged the smaller man closer, took the lead easily, when he pulled him into his arms, rained hot kisses over the haggard features, tasted the wetness on the damp face. “Thank you.” He nuzzled against Jack ‘ s throat, content to be where he belonged. Before he could search for the sweet mouth with his own lips, the door opened with a sound remembering Chase on a children ‘ s cry, and they reluctantly broke apart. Heavy armed men stepped in, throwing cold glances over the two shapes on the ground. A man in a dark suit nodded at them. “Take him,” he commanded pointing on Jack. Violently they pulled him up, pushing the weak man roughly forward. Chase tried to get up, but a quick kick in the side held him on the floor. He bit his lips, tried not to call for Jack, didn ‘ t want to give them the satisfaction to learn about his most secret feelings. And then he was gone and Chase was alone in the cell, alone with an angry looking elegant man and three guards left, beside the few on the outside. At least, they ‘ d brought a light with them. Chase knew better, than to try to stand up again. He remained where he was, looking down to show his respect. “Well, Mr. Edmunds. You couldn ‘ t have believed, that this would work out, could you?” Chase refused to react, only a barely noticable trembling showed his surprise, when the other man mentioned his real name. “Yes, I knew who you are, and why you came here, from the start, Mr. Edmunds. Don ‘ t dare to suppose we ‘ re stupid. We had our reasons to make you believe, that we were oblivious to the truth.” He paused for an instant, considering his words. “To be honest, most of us were. But it made it easier for us to let your fool your collegues. I ‘ m just a little worried, what they ‘ ll think now about you.” The man grinned shortly, taking his time to look around the dark place.
“Where will you bring him?” Chase asked, unable to hold back the question any longer. “No need to think about Mr. Bauer anymore. We made a deal on his person.” “What deal?” “A deal with your government.” “I don ‘ t understand.” “You don ‘ t need to. He ‘ s a dead man.” “What?” Chase ‘ s heart stood still. “Don ‘ t waste your time on a lost case. And don ‘ t worry. I made a deal on your person, too. Only we need to to keep you in here for a while. You started to act earlier than we had expected.” “What deal is it?” Chase asked, desperation mixing with hope, thoughts wildly running up and down in his mind, whirling around, confusing him even more. He couldn ‘ t help but stare at the man in charge, who regarded him attentively, rising his eyebrows in astonishment. “I see... you got free... .” He nodded downwards. “Your hands. Maybe we should have a better look at Mr. Bauer. He still seems to take a risk. Thought we taught him better.”
“What do you want from me?” “Nothing, Chase. We received everything from your friend. You can ‘ t tell us anything. Just wait and stay calm. We ‘ ll come back soon for you.” They left and darkness enclosed him again, devoured him until he gave up resistance and drifted away in unconsciousness.
Time went by and Chase lost his grip on it. Sometimes he wondered if they gave him drugs with the water, but maybe it was just the final grieving, the exhaustion, after he had found and lost Jack again, which caused his numbness. He could have been in this cell for days or hours, nothing changed and he didn ‘ t care.
He saw the men, he ‘ d worked with, and to his astonishment they remained reserved while they led him to the washrooms or offered him a meal. They avoided to look at him usually, in spite of the man, who had helped him to see Jack for the first time. Chase was tempted to offer an excuse, just to see his reaction, or to ask him if he had known from the start, but he couldn ‘ t bring up the energy. Until then - one night they came and woke him up roughly, bound and handcuffed him, led him to the transporter. He climbed inside with difficulties, fell on the side-bench, tired, his head sinking between his knees. “No - I had no idea,” his opposite said suddenly to him in english. “I really believed you on our side. It doesn ‘ t matter now, but... .” Chase managed to look up, meet the black shiny eyes of the young man, who continued to speak. “... if you had explained to me... if you had tried to make only one of us understand... we ‘ re not so different as you might suppose... .” Chase dropped his gaze. “The results would be the same.” A smile crossed his lips and they looked at each other again in sudden understanding.
And Chase remembered himself saying good bye to Andrew, who had tried to convince him until the last moment, to stay, to give up this hopeless plan, to stop his efforts. But he hadn ‘ t been able to, and if he was in the same situation again, he would act the same... no way to deny it.
His gaze wandered to the blackness of the night, only interrupted by a few single lanterns, brightening up the street they rode to an unknown aim.
Chase blinked against the glaring searchlights. He stood on the landing strip waiting, imagined Jack standing and waiting like him before. He concentrated on the picture, convincing himself, that Jack was alright, at home, in the states, saved miraculously. After Chase had left, negotiations must have become a possibility. And there must be a reason for this... they needed Jack. Whatever he had been told, could only be meant to scare him... and it had worked at first. But there lay no sense in making a deal to free the man, just in order to kill him. Jack was needed somehow and Chase could only hope, that they would give him time to recover before he had to deal with the expectations of his country again.
Nothing happened... . And Chase froze, waiting motionless for whatever might happen. It didn ‘ t matter anymore, he didn ‘ t care. The icy breeze made him shudder, black trees reached for him with their outstretching bony arms. The men, who had accompanied him, stood still, patient, untouchable, ready to spend the night fulfilling their duty. Finally from the distance, engines could be heard, the sounds of an approaching plane meeting the noise of a couple of cars coming nearer fast. Chase wasn ‘ t able to recognize their labels, but he noticed, that the cars were driving without spotlights. To his astonishment the plane seemed to act the same way, only an instant, before coming down to land, the lights switched on and Chase squeezed his eyes shut against the sudden brightness. When he opened them again, the plane rolled slowly closer, finally came to stop in a near distance. Two of the approaching cars made their way to meet the finally resting object. Nervous passengers climbed out, started to prepare the plane to be entered from the outside. The remaining Jeep moved directly into their direction and the nearer it came the bigger grew Chase ‘ s worry. Certainly they had to act secretly, nobody could be proud of a deal like that whatever might have caused it.
And then he saw him. And his worst nightmares came to life again. Through the darkness he sensed the threat, the upcoming danger reaching out for him and he recognized the one person he had tried to forget. On the passenger seat, a content grin distorting his features, the man looked down on him. “Better late than never... isn ‘ t that true, Chase? Who would have thought, that we would meet again.... !” Connors jumped out of the car and waved a command to the men behind Chase, before he directed his smile again on him. “... Well... I had... .” He padded Chase on the shoulder.”You haven‘ t believed, I might have forgotten you, sweetheart. I never leave things unfinished.” Chase felt his blood stand still, before it removed in a rush from his arms, his legs and his head, surrounded his heart, made it pound in wild spasms, leaving him pale and dizzy, paralyzed in horror. He thought he would lose consciousness, when Connors touched his cheek softly, clearly enjoying the young man ‘ s fear. “Oh dear. Nothing ‘ s more delicious, than youth and innocence , united in one seductive body. Though... ,” he glared at him, “ the innocence, I’m tempted to doubt seriously.”
“Jack,” Chase croaked. “You have Jack, too?” “Oh boy... .” Connors watched him faking compassionate sadness. “Unfortunately the president had been faster than me. Anyway... Jack or you, ... Jack and you... sooner or later, you ‘ ll be with him... . I promise seriously.” “Chase wasn ‘t able to follow the words, staring wide-eyed into the nothingness. He stayed oblivious to the changes around him, wasn ‘ t able to notice the increasing excitement, the confusing noises around, the strong wind shaking him, when all he knew was that the gates of hell had opened for him and that it would be only a matter of time until the flames would eat him up alive. He tried to move, but his body wasn ‘ t obeying him, wanted to run... couldn ‘ t. His resistance, his self-control crumbled, broke down, when a desperate sound escaped his lips. “No,” he whispered, when he realized that there existed no way out for him. “No,” he cried louder and whrithed in his shackles, desperately, wildly, frantically. “No,” he screamed, losing the rest of his self-restraint, trying to break free. Hot tears streamed down his cheeks, while he continued screaming without noticing it, fought against the men holding him down, hearing nothing but the crazy laughter of the man he feared like no one else. “Please, don ‘ t...,” he begged, praying for the first time since his childhood to the Lord to have mercy, to save him from the images running through his mind, images of past and future, of what he ‘ d endured and what he would have to go through, if Connors took him into this goddamn plane.
The chaos increased, but Chase remained oblivious, caught in his own overwhelming, inescapable panic, while he continued with his hopeless battle. The world filled with the sounds of creaking wheels, engines rumbling noisily. A storm seemed to come up, to whirl around everything which wasn ‘ t already fixed on the floor. It tugged on their clothes, ready to lift him from the ground. He struggled in spite of his exhaustion, blinded by the water in his eyes, wished to be carried away by the powers raging around him. He screamed, when sticked to the ground, when he remained unable to flee, when his fate seemed to be sealed.
His eardrums seemed to burst, when shots exploded next to him, when he could smell the scent of bullets cutting the air, meeting their human aims. Sounds of pain pierced the night, bodies fell to the ground. Chase fought desperately against the arms capturing him violently.
“Leave him alone!” The tone of this voice sounded angrily, growling loudly, and suddenly the world stood still again. His confusion faded away immediately, leaving Chase calm and quiet, before he could figure out why. Everything around him seemed to move in slow motion. Strange noises reached his ears from far away and when he opened his eyes finally, he could see the plane taking off. A handful of dark figures had taken hold of the Jeep following it along the landing strip, leaving their defeated enemies dead on the ground. A helicopter hovered over the ground, a second had already landed. Chinese soldiers ran across the place. Chase saved his breath, when he sensed his sudden freedom. Though still bound, no one was touching him, was reaching for him anymore. Feeling sick and frightened he dared to look out for Connors, half-expecting, that the man would give him a small moment to relax, just for his own fun, before he would kick him to the ground again. Lights flashed and Chase drew back, when a soldier, he couldn ‘ t recognize advanced upon him in a hurry, the black shape clearly heading for the young man.
“Chase! Are you okay?” Chase blinked in disbelief, tears started to fill his eyes again, this time not because of fear anymore, but of relief and joy.
Carefully Jack came nearer, his night-blue eyes bright in the dazzling, man-made illumination, searching for the familiar green gaze of the scared prisoner.
“Jack - is it really you?” Chase wasn ‘ t still ready to trust his mind. His head was spinning and dizzyness threatened to overwhelm him. He stumbled, tripped and fell on his knees with a husky moan. At once Jack was on his side, supporting Chase before he could lose balance, holding his former partner upright, but couldn ‘ t prevent him from passing out. The last things Chase felt were Jacks lips against his ear, moving softly, whispering sweet words of care and tenderness. * * * * *
“So - he ‘ s alright?” “Yes, Mr. Bauer.” The dark-haired medic looked up from his notes. “Dehydrated and too thin, but nothing prevents him from returning to the states.” Jack nodded relieved and turned to the men who had accompanied him. “Thanks to you and my special reference to the minister. President Palmer won ‘ t forget your help.” “It ‘ s our duty, Sir. Unfortunately things like that happen, but we aren ‘ t tolerating them.” “ I know what you mean.” Jack mumbled. “Thanks anyway. CTU will take care of the remaining bureaucratic issues.”
A very white and tired looking Chase appeared in the door, closing the last buttons of his new shirt. Jack gave him a worried smile, before he stepped closer. “Just heard, that you ‘ re in condition to travel. Maybe sleeping in the helicopter had helped you recover.” Chase answered the smile with an unsure gaze, obviously still in some kind of shock. “We ‘ ll take the next regular flight to L.A.,” Jack assured him, tempted to take the young man ‘ s arm, to give him support again. But he resisted, strangely feeling the urge to give him time, to not harass him, though the eyes meeting his appeared unusual big and vulnerable. And he remembered the last hour, leaning against the moving walls of the shaking helicopter, holding the consciousless man tight, not caring about the awkward glances of the heavy armed men next to them, sensing his heartbeat, controling his breath come and go regularly. * * * * *
Somehow he had enjoyed the closeness, had enjoyed it to hold Chase, to become aware that he had found again, what he ‘ d thought he ‘ d lost, forever. He remembered trying to share the warmth of his body with the frozen man, rubbing the cold skin, pausing to notice the slow rising and falling of the slender chest, thankful for each sign of life. And then he had wondered about the return of emotions.
When they had brought him back, when they had told him what he had to do, when he had done, what he had never thought to be able to do again, his insides had turned in disgust and his feelings or what had been left of them, had fought their last battle, before they had died. And he had disconnected completely, agreed to his actions, but shook off his humanity in order to do what had to be done.
Though, when finished, there had been no doubt about, what he had to concentrate on next, and he had lost no time starting the search for Chase at once. He hadn ‘ t hesitated a second using the conflict, the government had been in, to put some pressure on the president, who had willingly agreed into his demands, better knowing than most other people, that the country owed him some repay for his sacrifices. Palmer had come to terms with the chinese government sooner than expected. His partners in negotiations seemed to be glad, that he offered some help in the effort to get rid of the amounts of corruption and foreign influences growing constantly. Jack knew, that both countries, America and China, had wanted Connors alive, but he hadn ‘ t cared. In this moments his priorities had been clear and revenge hadn ‘ t been one of them. The criminal still might have connections, but his power inclined steadily. Researches, Jack had worked on, before heading off for China had showed few results, when his remaining possibilities were regarded. The most probable place for him to search shelter after leaving the place with or without Chase, might be a well known organization of german neo-nazis, but Jack knew, that Bill already had informed the Bundesnachrichtendienst to keep a special eye on them. European agencies were as well as the american ones in danger to occasionally employ a mole or to be influenced by people, who could buy their power and use it to walk around the system, but the world became smaller for a bastard like Connors and a madman like him wouldn ‘ t be able to prevent making a mistake one day, which would break his neck. And Jack found it amazingly easy to shove thoughts about pursuing and catching him aside, to leave the task to people like Bill or Curtis, who were up to the demands or the patience needed to be successfull in this case.
Jack really was wondering about the unexpected shockwaves of joy, mixed up with certain fear and nearly unbearable worry, running through his body with the first sight of Chase. He had regarded it his duty to look for him, to do everything to keep him from danger, but discovered with confusion, that he still wasn ‘ t as dead inside as he somehow had hoped to be. Jack had no plan, no idea, hadn ‘ t thought about, what he should do, if there were a life for him anywhere, but his sudden built up inner distance had allowed him to recognize the, yet very small possibility that there might be a way, a purpose for him to exist a little longer in this world, he had learned to decline.
He kept looking at Chase, somehow disturbed by the immense pull towards the man,which seemed to fight in his mind against the urge to stay away from him, to turn around and go, before he would be overwhelmed by emotions, he wouldn ‘ t be able to go through anymore.
Jack pushed the confusion roughly back into his subconsciousness, cleared his suddenly dry throat and took a step towards the slim figure, which watched him somehow lost in his own thoughts.
“Let ‘ s go, Chase. It ‘ s time for us to change the location.” * * * * *