The following takes place between 5 pm and 6 pm
-5:00 pm in L.A. California, 8:00 pm in Washington D.C.-Secretary of Defense, Scott Kingston sat in his huge, perfectly manicured backyard as he watched the beautiful sunset. Right now, life was good. Last week he had sent his only son James, who was 15, to a special school in the valley about 10 miles out of Los Angelas, California. Only two weeks before he had gotten a brochure in the mail advertising this fine school for wealthy, bright teenagers. It was a private school that emphasized on the word It was indeed; for only the wealthiest of the wealthy had ever heard about this school. And it was kept that way.
James was a bright boy, but his skills at the piano were beyond bright. They were extraordinary. James had been playing the piano since the tender age of three and he had only gotten better at it. He was so good in fact, that he even exceeded the talent of his teacher, the amazing Garbo Smith. Now, James was at a rut in his musical career. He was to good for any teacher and to talented for any school. That's why, when Kingston heard about Ashton Brooke College he was more than eager to send his son there, so that his talent could shine. And of course the cost wasn't a problem. He had sent James to more expensive schools than $15,000 a term.
Now, with James at school, Scott was enjoying some very rare time off. If you could even call it that. With his job, time off was nonexistent. He was constantly on the watch, being the man in charge with the defense of America. It was a job almost as important as the President's. And through this job Scott had become good friends with President David Palmer. But he was worried he would be losing a good friend, being as it was re-elections and David wasn't running for President again. But Scott tried not to worry about that to much. What he thought about now was how good his life really was as he watched the last traces of the sun fade into the distant hills leaving the sky a beautiful, deep pink. But the only color Scott saw next was black. Suddenly, he felt a sharp sting in his upper right shoulder with made him instantly pass out.
8:13 pm (D.C.) 5:13 pm (L.A.) Krissy Crandall called out to her niece.
15 year old Joan Blair hopped into the next room.
It's your mom, Krissy said as she held out the phone to Joan. Joan immediately snatched it and plopped down on the couch.
Hi Mum, you're called a bit late for you, hmm?
Yeah, it's 1:15 am here, Joan heard her mother, Samantha, say. How are you enjoying America?
Joan shifted in her sit as she pulled a wool blanket over her. It's alright, but I'm getting a bit homesick.
You still going with Krissy to work?
She replied. To CTU, in an hour.
Well, have fun sweetie, Samantha said. I love you...bye.
Love you too Mum, bye.
Joan, who was a native of Blackpool, England, was visiting L.A. with her aunt for two weeks. Krissy promised her that she would take Joan to her where she worked at CTU where she was a computer analyst. Joan had always been interested in things like the CIA, FBI, or CTU. Her own father, Craig Blair, had been killed in action three years ago working for England's secret service unit, M16. Joan had begged her aunt to let her visit CTU. Krissy finally agreed, knowing that when a teenager girl wants something...she gets it!
Work starts for me at sic, Krissy informed Joan. So we're going in less than an hour, o.k.?
Joan could hardly contain her excitement. Yeah, okay, She said as she popped off the couch to go to her room.
I hope I get to see some action while I'm there, Joan called as she walked out of the living room. Krissy only laughed to herself. Highly likely, She thought, Highly likely.
8:25 pm (D.C.) 5:25 pm (L.A.)
Scott Kingston woke to a throbbing pain in his left shoulder and a dull headache. What had happened? The last thing he remember was watching the sunset.
Just then Dr. Callegry of the George Washington University Hospital entered with the President. Scott was surprised. Mr. President? He asked groggily.
Hello Scott, David said coolly.
Mr. Secretary of Defense, Dr. Callegry started as he held up a small, black, dart-like object. You were shot in the shoulder with this, He handed Scott the dart. It's a poisonous 3-14 Deter 9 millimeter poisonous tranquilizer, luckily your wife called 9-11 immediately and the poison was able to be quickly withdrawn without difficulty. He paused. If you had come in 10 minutes later you would have been dead, but fortunately that's not the case and you'll be perfectly alright.
Scott simply sat there, stunned at his sudden brush with death. How did anyone get past his security system? And why would someone want him dead? It was all a mystery.
Scott regained his composure and spoke up. Did they catch the person who did this?
The doctor said. And tomorrow he will see that the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America had an attempted assassination and is still very much alive.
The President suddenly said, breaking his silence. I down want this to go public, it's better if whoever it was who threatened his life doesn't know...if he did, he could try to kill him again.
He said down and stroked his face in thought. He said again. It's better if no one knows.
Yes, of course Mr. President, Dr. Callegry said in agreement.
David looked up at the doctor. Would you give us a moment Tom?
Tom Callegry simply nodded his head and walked out of the room leaving the President and Scott alone.
What's going on David? Scott asked, knowing that David didn't mind if he addressed him by his first name.
David sighed deeply. Well Scott, I'll lay it out to you plain and simple: three weeks ago Lyle Jackson, founder of the world wide furniture company Jackson Furniture & co., had a heart attack. He was only 49 and the doctors said it was a sudden heart malfunction, it was quickly disregarded as just that. He sat down and took a drink of water before continuing. Then one week after that Jeremy Haysworth, manager and founder of Haysworth Electronics died in an unfortunate diving accident...he was 38.
That's too bad, Scott interrupted. But what as that got to do with me?
I'm getting to that, David replied as he got up and began to pace the small room. Both of these men were very wealthy and each had their only child enrolled at a private school a couple of miles outside of L.A. called Ashton Brooke College.
Scott gasped. Ahston Brooke was were James went. He was beginning to see the pieces fall into place. I see..., was all he could say.
I understand that your son was recently enrolled there?
That's correct.
Well, I have reason to believe that these murders, and not to mention your attempted murder, could very well be linked with this school.
With all due respect Mr. President, Scott said getting very serious. You have no hard evidence against this school, and as I believe as you do, what would be your course of action sir?
I was thinking of calling CTU in on this, He replied.
CTU was usually who the President called and got involved with defense situations. And being the Secretary of Defense, Scott knew very well what they were capable of. But this was hardly a defense issue. Or was it?
Sir, that might be a bit of a problem being as CTU director Tony Almeida as just recently been sentenced to some time in prison.
David looked slightly shocked by this, but then remembered what he had done to get prison time. He was upset with the course of action Tony had taken and had refused to pardon his crime at Jack Bauer's request. But Tony would be a huge asset to anything CTU did.
Well, I call and get him pardoned for the next 24 hours...we're going to need him on this.
8:48 pm (D.C.) 5:48 pm (L.A.)
Jack Bauer's cell phone shrieked as it woke him from his short nap.
He quickly answered it, still sleepy.
Jack, this is David Palmer, The other voice said.
Jack immediately sat upright. He was awake now. Mr. President, what can I do for you?'
Jack, I realize you probably don't want to be bothered, but I'm gonna need your help on something.
It was true. He didn't want to be bothered. But he wasn't about to tell the President that. It's alright.
Over the next five minutes David told Jack what he had told Scott Kingston plus some. He told him about the death's of the two men, about the school, and about Kingston's attempted assassination. Jack was clearly surprised to hear all of this. He had never even heard of Ashton Brooke College when really it was only about 15 miles away from his own L.A. home.
Mr. President, Jack said. You are going to need Tony Almeida if you really want to investigate this, and I believe he's just been sentenced to prison.
I had him pardoned for awhile...he doesn't know it yet, He heard David say solemnly. I may not be the President for much longer, but I am still the President.
Well, I'll try and get a hold of him and see what we can do, was all Jack could say.
That's fine, get back to me once your settled.
Yes Mr. President.
Oh...and Jack?

Jack smiled. Your welcome.
He was back at it again. Through all the emotion and turmoil his job had put him through, Jack had to admit he was most comfortable when he was on the job.
A moment later he found himself dialing the number of Tony's cell phone.
It rang for a moment and then Jack heard Tony.
Tony, it's Jack....

Ok, so there's the plot or whatever you call it. I introduce where Joan comes in later. Please tell me what you think...if it's too cheesy or whatever. Thank!