Author's Note: This is the epilouge. Should I keep it, yay or nay?

Bill stood in the forested clearing. It was really a rather pretty place. To bad it was being put to such a somber use. His eyes picked out Curtis and Kim from the small gathering of people. A glint of sunlight of red drew his eyes to Aaron Pierce and Martha Logan. Audrey hadn't come, and the rest were other CTU personnel who'd worked with Jack and Chloe.

Clearing his throat, Bill began the simple speech he'd written the night before. According to Jack's wishes there had been no religious rites or military funeral. Just a request to keep it simple and quiet, and to ensure he was buried next to his soul mate.

"We're here today because Jack Bauer let go after holding on so hard. I won't condone his actions with pretty words, but I will say I understand why he did what he did. Even if I don't agree with it."

That was easy enough. A burning sensation rose in his throat and nose. "Jack was about as far from a saint as you can be, and still be a good man. He did his job, and he did it well. No matter what the cost was to himself. That cost killed him eventually. When he lost Chloe, we all watched his descent into hell. I know now, there was nothing anyone could have done to stop it."

Apause. He stared out at the others. Kim's chin was held up and her cheeks were pale but dry. Her hand was in Curtis's. Martha was leaning against Aaron, who had one arm around his principle. Now, Bill was able to pick out a figure that he hadn't noticed before. As the older man watched, Chase shifted in the shadowed woods. A watery beam of light glittered off the tear tracks on the youngagent's face.

"I guess there's nothing else to say here. Jack left friends and family hurting. I can only pray he's found peace. And Chloe's taking care of him for us. I won't forget him, and that's all that really matters." Bill hung his head as much as a former marine could. "They'll both be missed." Inexplicable exhaustion had settled over him and his hands shook as he moved away from the fresh grave. A root caught his foot and he stumbled forward.

Warm hands wrapped themselves firmly around his arm. He looked to see Karen Hayes, dressedconservatively in black,steadying him. With a sad smile, she linked their arms and supported him as they walked down the shade-dappledpath together.

As if Bill's departure had been some sort of signal, the other mourners drifted away into the crisp, clear fall morning. Aaron ,with Martha on his arm, paused long enough to salute the figure of St. Joan that guarded the resting place of two of the bravest people he'd ever had the honor of knowing.

Herded gently by Curtis, Kim left the clearing with her head held high. She was the last to go, leaving Chase the solitary spectator.

Within the privacy, he stepped into the light that filtered through the gold and redcanopy. Wiping his face with the back of hands, he sniffed and took a deep breath. The tears continued to trickle down his expressionless face. Guarded eyes read the engraving on the plaque that was the onlyornamentation on the base of the statue.

CHLOE O'BRIAN

SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

A HERO

JACK BAUER

SEPTEMBER 17, 2010

HER HERO

Okay, O'Brian is an Irish name so I'm making Chloe Catholic. Hence, St. Joan, patron saint of soldiers and woman in tough positions. Second, I know it's cliche, but everyone's allowed one of those. If you're going to flame, make toast with it. It'll be more useful that way because I'll just delete it.