24: Operation Nightfall

Disclaimer: I don't own 24 or any of their characters mentioned in this story.

This story is my version of the events taking place during Operation Nightfall. There are no major plot spoilers in this chapter.

Chapter 1

"I almost have you Kim, you've still yet to beat me and that's not about to happen now" bragged Jack Bauer to his daughter Kim while playing a game of chess. "You shouldn't teach our daughter to be a bragger like that, it's not polite" remarked Teri Bauer from the kitchen pouring herself a glass of water. "Well, she has to learn somehow, maybe if I tease her like that it will make her want to win more and she will learn faster" Jack snickered back as he made his next move. Teri looked Jack straight in the eye and just gave him that look he knew so well, the annoyed look and said nothing. Jack just smirked back. "Are you getting any of this?" Jack asked of his daughter. "You know I love you but when it comes to chess I guess I'm just too good for you." Jack bragged some more. Teri was still listening from the kitchen just shaking her head when she heard the unmistakable voice of her daughter proudly exult the word "checkmate" and smirked. Kim got up and gave her father a peck on the cheek. "Good night dad" she said smiling and just headed to her bedroom for the night.

Jack just sat there for a moment in disbelief and then just couldn't help but smile as Teri came in to the room behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders as she couldn't help but chuckle."You know you deserved that one Jack" she tittered. "I definitely didn't see that one coming." he replied as Teri began to rub his shoulders. "But doesn't your job at CTU require that you be always seeing things before they happen?" Teri asked her husband jokingly. Jack just smirked and turned his head and kissed the woman he loved so dearly. "I guess that's a yes" Teri joked as Jack leaned in again more passionately this time. "You do realize that Kim is just upstairs" Teri remarked to Jack. "She's probably already asleep, it will have taken all he energy for her to checkmate me" Jack joked as he picked her up and carried her over to the couch. Teri couldn't help but chuckle excitedly as she and Jack continued to swap spit on the couch. They both had just one thing on their mind.

*****

In Washington early the next morning, Senator David Palmer was in a meeting with a senate sub-committee which he was heading. "Based on what we have discussed, I believe the action we talked about is necessary for the safety and security of this country now and in the future" Palmer said. "Do any of you here today see any other possible option?" After giving a few moments and seeing that there were no suggestions or objections he said "Well in that case, we have no choice, the mission detailed here must be carried forth" as he picked up the file folder on the table. "Otherwise we are finished here. The Senator immediately went to his office and made a phone call. "Agent Ellis." "This is Senator David Palmer, you have permission to go ahead with what we talked about" and he hung up.

*****

Jack, Teri and Kim were all downstairs having breakfast together. "You know Kim, I let you win last night, you do know that right?" joked Jack to his daughter. "Oh of course I know that dad, how could I not know that?" Kim joked back. "Yeah Jack, how could she not know that?" Teri added, not wanting to miss out on the fun. They all just smiled and laughed. They continued their conversation over breakfast until Kim left for school. Jack kissed his daughter on the forehead as she left "I love you" he said to her and Kim just replied "I love you too dad" as she left for the day. It was also time for Jack to leave for the day as well. Jack and Teri shared their words of parting as Jack also headed out the door.

Things with Jack and his family had definitely improved over the last few months. Jack had been out on various missions for long periods of time and that really hurt things with his family. Jack hoped that things would continue as they were.

"Good morning, Jack" were the words he heard as he walked into CTU. "Good morning, Nina" he replied. Along with Nina Myers, Jack also greeted his other colleagues including Jamey Farrell and Tony Almeida. As he was sitting down at his desk he received a phone call from Christopher Henderson, the director of CTU Los Angeles. "Jack, I need to see you in my office right away". Jack hung up the phone and headed up the stairs to the director's office.

When he walked in he was surprised to see his close friend Richard Walsh there, the current southwestern regional director of CTU. "Richard, it's good to see you. How's your family?" he asked, shaking his hand. "We are all doing very well thanks for asking. I'd like to have a chance for us to catch up but unfortunately now is not a good time, I got a call from NSA Agent Robert Ellis this morning, you need to go to Washington Jack, You will meet Ellis tomorrow morning". "I don't understand Richard, what's going on?". Jack asked surprised. "I have no idea Jack, you know as much as I do, you just need to get to Washington and you need to leave today." Walsh replied. "Your flight leaves at noon. You have time to go home and get ready. I wish I could tell you more but that's all I know. You will have a ticket waiting for you at the counter at LAX." Walsh informed Jack. "It's alright Richard, I understand, I'll go home and get ready" and Jack headed back down to his desk quickly before heading out.

"Is everything alright Jack, I saw you up there talking to Walsh" Nina asked. "I'm not sure, I have to go to DC." Jack replied. "When?" Nina asked surprised. "Today" Jack answered. "Today? Just out of nowhere? That's funny." Nina said. "Yeah, I have to go home and get ready. I'll see you when I get back" Jack said as he headed out of the office to his car.

Jack was very disappointed about this trip. After all the problems he had with his family he really hoped that this would be a short trip and not another lengthy mission. It would really hurt his family and that was the last thing Jack wanted now.

Jack returned home to see Teri outside doing the yard work. "Jack, you just left for work less than an hour ago. Is something wrong?" She asked as he embraced her husband. "I have to go to DC this afternoon. I don't know when I'll be back." Jack told her. "I got to work and Richard Walsh was there to let me know. Hopefully it's just for a couple days" Jack continued. "But it's likely not, It never is Jack" Teri replied in an annoyed tone. "I'm sorry Teri, it's just what I have to do." Jack said. Teri was still upset with the news and continued with the yard work.

Jack went inside to get ready and 15 minutes later came back out to see his wife still doing the yard work. "Teri, I know how much this hurts you and Kim when I leave for long periods of time. I'm sorry, but unfortunately that's the way things are right now" Jack said to his wife and they embraced. "I know Jack, you do what you have to do." Teri replied. "I'm sorry but I have to go, I love you. Tell Kim that I love her" Jack said. They kissed and Jack put his bags in his car and headed to the airport.

Feedback greatly appreciated. Watch for the next chapter soon.