Disclaimer: I do not own these characters from "24." I am merely expressing my enjoyment of this series through a fanfiction.

Quick Overview: Relating to the idea of the Debrief series hosted on the "24" website, this fanfiction is titled after it. This fanfiction occurs before Day 3. The main difference between my previous fanfiction (still working on) "24 Debrief: Leviathan" is that will not occur in a 24 hour day nor will each chapter respresent an hour.

Summary: The Prologue of this fanfiction takes place after Erin Driscoll fired Jack Bauer from Counter Terrorist Unit Los Angeles and 9 months before Day 4. Being forced out of CTU, Jack has been given a fresh start at life. Still wishing to work for the government, Jack now works as the Special Assistant to Secretary of Defense James Heller. However, while working under him, Jack develops a close relationship with his daughter, Audrey Raines. Their relationship blossoms and turns into something more then they ever expected.

BEGINNINGS: Fresh Start

Prologue

9 Months Ago

Jack Bauer walked over to his car after leaving CTU for the last time. He didn't bother with his things, nor did he take the time to say goodbye to anyone. The anger that gripped him fueled his fast exit. He slowly unlocked his car and got inside. Sitting there, he thought back on all the years he dedicated to CTU to be muscled out by Erin Driscoll. He started his car and just thought about what he'd do next.

In some ways it freed him from his obligations to the government. But what would he do now? Doing fieldwork with other agencies was always an option. However, thinking about it, CTU was one of the reasons why his past relationships failed and why Teri was killed. Then he realized that fieldwork was no longer on his agenda.

Jack wanted something different with his life. He still wanted to work for the government, but what could he do? He could work in the office. But he'd had enough deskwork to do when he first joined CTU after being recruited by Christopher Henderson. Every case they had, he'd always be assigned with the reports and debriefs.

He smiled lightly and started his car. Turning out of the parking lot, he figured where ever he'd go, he'd be happy… Hopefully.

About 7 Months Ago

"Jack Bauer, Secretary Heller will see you now." The assistant opened the door to the office and he entered quietly. Secretary James Heller was reading some papers. He placed them down and shook Jack's hand. Then Secretary Heller motioned him to sit down.

"Hello, sir. I'm Jack—"

"Yes, you're Jack Bauer. I've heard some great things about you."

"Uh, thank you, sir."

"Now, why are you here in DC?"

"Well, I've been looking for some job in the government for several months now."

"I see, and why aren't you doing anymore fieldwork? I understand you're quite the marksman."

"Yes, sir. But I thought about it and decided that I didn't want to be in the field. I still desire to serve the government and my country."

"I see. Well Jack, I like you already and you have a wonderful resume, I just have one quick question, to get it out of the way."

"Yes, sir?" Jack felt nervous. He was pleased he was being considered for the job, but he worried that his past would catch up with him.

"In your profile it says you were once addicted to heroine?"

"Um, yes, sir. I was. It was an addiction I acquired before and during an uncover operation in Mexico with the Salazars."

"Before?"

"Like I told Ryan Chappelle and Division, I needed to have the addiction before going undercover. If the Salazars figured out that I was not a heavy user, then that would have blown my cover. I do take responsibility for my actions, that's why I went to rehab and I've been clean. But I did not start taking heroine for it's recreational uses."

"Jack, I understand. I just wanted to know if I could trust you, and I can."

"Oh, thank you, sir."

"Okay, now, I want you to work under me for a few days. If it doesn't work out, then we'll part ways, but if it does work, then you've got the job. Does that work?"

"Yes, sir, it does."

"Good, welcome to the Depart of Defense, Jack Bauer."

6 Months Ago

"Paul, I'm tired of fighting and pointless arguments. This is our third fight this week," Audrey Raines said in frustration.

"Then what do you want to do, Audrey?" her husband asked over the phone. Paul sounded angrier then Audrey, but he didn't dare raise his voice.

"I think we need to take some time apart to figure this all out," she suggested.

"Some time apart? Why?"

"Because, I'm tired of being in a one-sided relationship," Audrey muttered. She closed her eyes and rubbed her brow.

"Fine… For how long?" Paul didn't seem to care much for this idea, but he guessed he would have to cave.

"I don't know Paul. I think we should separate for a year and see what happens."

"A year? Why?"

"Because Paul, we just need some time apart to figure it all out and see if we should try again." Audrey sighed harshly."

"Okay, if that's what you really want."

"Yes, thank you."

"I love you."

"Bye." Audrey hung up the phone. She started out the window for a few minutes. A long time passed by before she started to cry. It was a weird feeling for her. The separation did not make her cry, but it was something else she'd never figure out. Then the phone rang. She turned around and picked up the phone.

"Hello?" she answered. "Oh, hi. No, I'm okay. Don't worry about it. Okay, yeah, I'll see you downstairs in a few minutes."

To be continued...