Day 2, 1st Hour // Video

[out_of_time]

[Jack appears in a shaky screen, wearing dirty clothing. He looks shocked, haggard, completely spent, and more than a little disoriented. He touches his face for a moment as though feeling for a wound, but there's nothing there.]

I'm back. I never thought- I never knew-

[Jack trails off and squeezes his eyes shut. Two years of memories and physical age are slamming back into him on top of the very bad day he just came from. He takes a deep breath, processes.]

I need an update. I need to know the status...

[He breaks off again, uncertain, confused. Then there's a shout and a wooping siren. Jack looks over his shoulder. When he turns back to the camera, there's the sound of feet running, his and two other pairs. His face is hard and grim.]

Fuck it.

[The post ends. Responses will be delayed ICly since Jack has been spotted by his former colleagues near the Porter Building, and needs to leg it.]

Comments

video;

[hacktivist]

7 days, 6 hours and 19 minutes, approximately. I am assuming you have City memories intact.

video;

[out_of_time]

[It's about twenty minutes before a response, and when it comes Jack takes a visible moment to register Ghost's appearance, to recognize.]

Ghost.

Yeah, yeah I remember.

[From what little can be seen of his location, Jack's found a dark building to duck into. He's breathing hard.]

Is there anything happening right now I need to be aware of? Invasion, crisis, anything like that?

video;

[hacktivist]

The Skrulls and the Kree are waging an all out interstellar war for supremacy of Earth. The City is the last known outpost of humanity.

video;

[out_of_time]

[Pause because he's disoriented enough right now to not be sure of much.]

Are you screwing with me?

video;

[hacktivist]

[head tips to one side] Would I do that, officer?

Video, Private

[newbvampire]

Damn it, Jack.

Are you okay? I thought...I thought you might be gone for good.

[video]

[trueltning_fury]

Jack...

[well shit, son]

Damn. Damn the lack of security on this thing.

I will be in the streets tonight, if you're looking for an ally.

Video; heavily encrypted to Jack

[gofortheoptics]

...Mr. Bauer?

I hope you found somewhere safe. Contact me if you need help.

I mean it.

[Video, Private]

[a_relative_hero]

[Joel shifts a little uncomfortably before speaking.]

Are you alright [A slight pause as he mentally corrects himself.], Jack?

video;

[out_of_time]

[Jack actually leaves the video for a moment to check out the window for spaceships, roadblocks, closed businesses, or other signs of war. When he comes back he's snarling.]

This is not a good day to waste my time, Ghost.

Video, Private

[out_of_time]

Seras.

[He sighs as he remembers.]

Yeah, I'm fine.

[This is so obviously a lie it's not even funny. The man hasn't slept in over 24 hours.]

[video, encrypted]

[out_of_time]

Geddoe, don't say that on a public channel! Damn it, do you want to end up on the wanted list?

Video; heavily encrypted

[out_of_time]

[Pause. Jack looks exhausted, but it seems he's not running anymore.]

Tali. Yeah, thanks. I'll take you up on that.

Right now, I think I just need to... rest, get my bearings. It's been a long day.

[Video, Private]

[out_of_time]

[No sir there, at least. Jack shifts a little himself.]

I'm okay.

[Lies.]

[video, encrypted]

[trueltning_fury]

...I need to learn this private setting thing.

Plausible deniability, Jack. I never met up with you.

voice;

[doubleoohbaby]

They sent out a welcome committee?

video;

[hacktivist]

I will not take that threat in the spirit intended.

Previously, you allowed yourself to be detained. What has changed?

[Video, Private]

[a_relative_hero]

[Joel nods slightly. He's not sure he believes it but he won't push.]

I guess the running means you won't be turning yourself back in then.

Video; heavily encrypted

[gofortheoptics]

Of course.

Stay safe.

voice

[brutalsorrow]

Welcome back, Mister Bauer.

Rest assured, it has only been a week since your departure.

[She goes quiet, and seems to be done speaking but before she turns off her comm she adds one last thing]

If you require assistance, I am available.

video;

[out_of_time]

[Looking away]

A lot.

[video, encrypted]

[out_of_time]

Got it.

Look, I don't know what I'm gonna do yet. I've got a lot of... [Swallow.] Things I need to sort out. But whatever I do, I'm probably going to be asking for your help.

Video; heavily encrypted

[out_of_time]

I'll try.

I'll be in touch with you soon.

Video; heavily encrypted

[gofortheoptics]

I'll be waiting.

[Video, Private]

[out_of_time]

[Jack nods. He has his regret face on.]

I'm sorry, Joel. But I can't go back to prison.