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FADE IN:

EXT. LAX - RENTALS AND RETURNS

Tony is waiting at the counter, trying not to appear anxious. An attendant comes out.

ATTENDANT

I’m sorry, Mr. Almeida, it’ll be just another minute.

TONY

Alright. I’ll be right back…I need to go make a phone call.

TRACK WITH HIM as he leaves the building and walks back out to the CTU chopper parked outside.

TONY

They’re taking forever…we’re going to have to find a way to delay him.

AUDREY

Can you go ahead and I’ll wait for the car?

TONY

No. The rental has to be in my name…your fingerprints can’t be anywhere near the transaction.

AUDREY

Tony, are you sure you want to do this?

TONY

Yeah. Yeah, I’m sure. Are you?

AUDREY

Yeah, I’m sure. I just want to make sure that my reaction earlier didn’t have anything to do with your decision…I want to make sure you understand that I’m not asking you to do this.

TONY

I understand that. As much as I’d love to see you and Jack give things another try, as much as I think you guys deserve to be together and happy, that’s not why I’m doing this. I’m doing this because as hard as Michelle’s death is by itself, knowing that the only reason they killed her was to create a diversion somehow makes it worse…like her life has been devalued or something. And if I let Jack get on that plane, she’ll have died for no reason, and I can’t let that happen. You understand what I’m saying, don’t you?

AUDREY

Better than anyone.

Tony chuckles a little.

TONY

Yeah, I guess you would.

AUDREY

Is there anything I can do? I mean, anything you want me to take care of for you?

TONY

I talked to Michelle’s family a few hours ago. They’ll take care of all the arrangements and stuff, so I think I’ve got that covered.

AUDREY

What about your own family?

TONY

My mom passed away a little over a year ago.

AUDREY

I’m sorry…I didn’t know.

TONY

My dad hasn’t spoken to me since the day I was arrested…I talked to Bill and he said he’d call my brother and sisters.

Audrey nods.

TONY

There is something you can do though.

AUDREY

Of course…what do you need?

TONY

I need for you to promise me that as soon as this is all over you’ll forget about me right away and move on.

Audrey looks at him strangely.

TONY

I don’t mean you have to forget I ever existed, but I don’t want you and Jack to waste any time feeling guilty, alright? All I ask is that you live every day to its fullest and remember that as complicated as things are between you right now, you love him and he loves you and at the end of the day that’s all that matters.

Audrey nods, tears forming in her eyes.

TONY

I know that you’re the last person who needs to be reminded of this, but life is too short to waste any time getting caught up in the small things…

His voice starts to crack.

TONY

Live every day as if it’s your last together because for all you know it could be…don’t ever forget how lucky guys are to get another chance to be together, alright?

Audrey nods and squeezes his arm.

AUDREY

I won’t forget…I promise.

The attendant comes out carrying a set of keys. Tony walks away from Audrey, who turns away to avoid recognition.

Tony takes the keys from the attendant and then waits until he goes back into the building before walking back over to the plane.

He hands Audrey the keys, and they share a brief but meaningful hug as she gets out of the plane and he gets in.

TONY

Good luck.

AUDREY

(tearfully)

You too.

cut to:

INT. CTU

Bill walks over to Edgar’s station.

BILL

Where’s Chloe?

EDGAR

She had to go make a phone call.

BILL

That’s what you said fifteen minutes ago. This is unacceptable.

EDGAR

I guess it was really important.

BILL

Wherever she is, find her and tell her I need her back here now.

Edgar’s phone rings.

EDGAR

(into phone)

Buchanan.

AUDREY (O.S.)

Bill, it’s Audrey. What’s the status?

BILL

They’re about to take off.

AUDREY

Now? It’s too soon…we just got the car.

BILL

How far out is he?

AUDREY

About two minutes. Can you buy a little time?

BILL

Let me see what I can do.

cut to:

EXT. LAX - GATE A RUNWAY

Curtis is talking to Jack as Jack gets into a small plane.

CURTIS

Jack, are you sure you want to do this?

JACK

No, I’m sure I don’t want to do this. But we don’t have any choice, Curtis. It’s the only way to stop a civilian aircraft from being used as a launching device for a deadly chemical nerve agent.

Curtis sighs.

JACK

You guys need to get out of here now.

Curtis nods and turns to go when his phone rings.

CURTIS

(into phone)

Manning.

He steps away and listens to what Bill is saying.

INSIDE THE PLANE, Jack takes a deep breath and sighs longingly as he prepares to take off.

He is in the process of starting the engine when Curtis comes running over.

CURTIS

Jack, stand down.

JACK

Why?

CURTIS

I just got off the phone with Bill…Chloe thinks she may have a way to deactivate the canister.

JACK

We’re running out of time!

CURTIS

Just hold off for a minute, alright?

JACK

Fine!

cut to:

INT. CTU

Edgar looks relieved as Chloe walks through the door. He walks over to her.

EDGAR

Where were you? Bill’s been on my case.

CHLOE

I told you, I had to take care of something.

EDGAR

Are you alright?

CHLOE

I’m fine, Edgar. Could you please stop acting like my mother?

Edgar opens his mouth to argue, then decides against it and walks away looking hurt.

Chloe looks around and makes sure nobody else is looking, then goes over and taps Edgar on the shoulder.

EDGAR

(irritated)

What?

CHLOE

I just wanted to give you back your car keys…and to say thanks for letting me use your car.

Edgar realizes that this is her way of apologizing. He takes the keys and nods.

EDGAR

Yeah, no problem.

back to:

EXT. LAX / INT. PLANE

Jack is sitting inside the plane waiting restlessly and trying to hold it together emotionally when Curtis buzzes in on his earpiece.

CURTIS (O.S.)

Jack, Chloe said she couldn’t disarm the thing…you’re cleared to take off.

Jack sighs heavily, kicking himself for getting his hopes up.

JACK

Alright, thanks.

SPLIT SCREEN shows Jack getting the plane into gear, a heavy look on his face, and Audrey driving around the airport in the rental car, struggling to hold it together.

END SPLIT - STAY WITH JACK

Jack puts his helmet on and is about to start taxiing when he hears the passenger door FLY OPEN.

He turns around and is shocked to see Tony standing there holding a GUN.

TONY

Do what I say or I will kill you!

JACK

Tony, what the hell are you doing? You have every right to blame me for Michelle’s death but as you can see I’m about to die anyway.

TONY

Finish putting that suit on and make sure it’s sealed tight.

Jack looks completely confused.

TONY

(threateningly)

Do it, Jack!

Jack does as he is told.

Tony closes the door behind him and hops into the passenger seat, looking around before speaking again, his tone changing from threatening to secretive as he moves the gun further away from Jack.

TONY

As soon as I get a signal I’m going to shove you out of this plane and take off. Curtis and his team are going to come and find you and take you to a parking garage. Audrey’s waiting there in a car rented in my name…with her DOD ID she shouldn’t have any trouble getting you across the border.

Jack looks bewildered for a moment, then sighs as he realizes what Tony is trying to do.

JACK

Tony, I know what you’re trying to do and I appreciate it, but I can’t go along with this plan.

TONY

I’m not giving you a choice, Jack.

JACK

If I run away again, I’m going to put more people in danger. And there’s no way I’m getting Audrey involved.

TONY

She wants to go with you, Jack. And her father wants her to go too.

JACK

How does he know I’m alive?

TONY

He’s the Secretary of Defense, Jack. He can find out whatever the hell he wants. He told Audrey to go with you…he’d rather die knowing that she’s happy than have her by his side. Please, Jack…I saw the look on her face when you told her what you were planning to do. Don’t make me go back there and have to tell her I couldn’t stop you.

JACK

This plan is too risky…when you disappear they’ll figure it out.

TONY

Not if it looks like I killed you.

JACK

What???

TONY

Edgar’s modifying the database now to make it look like I was connected to the terrorists.

JACK

Nobody’s going to believe that.

TONY

(exasperated)

I’m a convicted traitor, Jack. Of course people will believe it.

Jack sighs.

JACK

Tony, I know what you’re going through, and I don’t blame you for wanting a way out. I’ve been there…

TONY

I’m not looking for a way out, Jack. That’s not why I’m doing this. And spare me the lecture on how things will eventually look up and maybe I’ll even find someone again someday. Because as hard as it is to imagine myself with anyone else, maybe you’re right. Maybe I’d eventually move on, meet someone new, get my life together again. But I’m not the one who has a second chance right here, right now. I’m not the one who has a woman who loves him so much she’s willing to leave her dying father and disappear forever.

Jack sighs heavily, considering Tony’s words.

JACK

Why are you doing this, Tony?

Tony sighs.

TONY

After Michelle and I dropped you off at the train yard, we saw Audrey sitting on the curb in tears. We wanted desperately to be able to tell her the truth about you but we knew we couldn’t…I sat down with her and tried to think of something I could say to make her feel better, so I gave her this little speech about how everything happens for a reason. She asked me what reason there could possibly be for everything that had happened to her, and without being able to tell her the truth I didn’t have an answer to give her.

Tony sighs and takes a deep breath before continuing.

TONY

Today, Audrey came in to talk to me after you and Curtis left, and she threw my little speech back at me, and I asked the same question she did. A half hour ago, I couldn’t understand why the fates that be couldn’t have just let me die in the explosion along with Michelle. When I saw Audrey break down and cry after they told her what you were planning to do, I felt like maybe this was the reason, so that I could do this.

Jack opens his mouth to protest but Tony continues.

TONY

I’m not some kind of religious wacko, alright? I don’t have any idea what happens after someone dies, and it’s not like I have some fantasy that if I do this mission I’m going to go to heaven and be with Michelle again. I don’t know what’s going to happen after I crash this plane. But I do know…

His voice cracks as tears begin to fall down his cheeks.

TONY

I know that so long as I’m here on this earth, I’m never going to see her again. I’m never going to be able to surprise her with breakfast in bed or watch the sun set with her from the ferris wheel on the Pier.

His voice becomes weaker as his sobs intensify.

TONY

I’m never going to be able to go to sleep with her curled up in my arms again…I’m never going to wake up next to her…I’ll never get to hold her…

His voice trails off as he continues to sob. Jack grips his shoulder reassuringly until the crying subsides.

TONY

I’m never going to get to be with her in this life, Jack. And without her, I don’t have anything worth living for. But after I die, who knows? And not knowing is better than knowing that I’m going to have to spend the rest of my life without her.

Jack sighs, not willing to let Tony do this but unable to think of a good argument to dissuade him.

TONY

Listen, Jack, if it wasn’t for you, Michelle and I probably never would have given it a second chance in the first place. And despite all my anger and despite all my grief, I am grateful. Grateful for every day I got to spend with her. I don’t blame you for Michelle’s death - I want you to know that. But the bottom line is, if she hadn’t helped you escape she’d be alive right now.

Jack looks down, pained with guilt at Tony’s words.

JACK

I know.

TONY

The thing is, I know that even if she knew what was going to happen today, she still would never have let that man kill you.

Jack nods, knowing Tony is right.

TONY

Now you and Audrey have a second chance just like we did. Michelle sacrificed her life to protect your cover…if she were here, all she would ask in return is that you take that chance. Please, Jack, do this for me. Do this for Audrey, do this for Kim, and most of all, do it for Michelle.

Jack sighs heavily, realizing nothing he says is going to dissuade Tony from carrying out his plan.

JACK

Are you absolutely sure about this?

TONY

If I wasn’t absolutely sure don’t you think you would have talked me out of it by now?

Jack nods and places his hand on Tony’s arm to show his appreciation.

JACK

You’ve got to get that plane in the air now…we’re running out of time.

TONY

Thanks, Jack.

JACK

(softly)

Thank you.

They shake hands, then realize this is inadequate and give each other a genuine hug.

TONY

Take care of yourself, Jack.

JACK

(fighting back tears)

You too.

OUTSIDE THE PLANE

We see Jack’s body fall out of the plane as Tony revs the engine and speeds away.

EXT. LAX / INT. CTU VEHICLE

Curtis and another agent are driving away from the contaminated plane.

Curtis’ phone rings.

CURTIS

(into phone)

Manning.

CHLOE (O.S.)

Curtis, it’s Chloe. Did Tony take off yet?

CURTIS

No, he’s just about to. Why?

CHLOE (O.S.)

I need you to give him a message…I can’t explain it but he’ll understand and it’s something he should know before he dies.

Curtis shakes his head, still amazed after all this time at Chloe’s unabashed bluntness.

CURTIS

Alright, what is it?

EXT. LAX - GATE A RUNWAY

SHOW Jack laying on the ground playing dead.

EXT. LAX / INT. PLANE - CONTINUOUS

Tony takes a deep breath as he checks the gears and prepares to take off.

Suddenly, he hears Curtis speaking through his earpiece.

CURTIS (O.S.)

Tony, can you hear me?

TONY

Yeah, what’s going on?

CURTIS (O.S.)

I have an urgent message from Chloe…she wanted you to know that they got the tape.

TONY

The tape?

CURTIS (O.S.)

That’s all she said…I can try to call her back before you take off.

Suddenly, Tony smiles and sighs with relief as he realizes what Curtis is talking about.

TONY

No, that’s alright. Tell her I’ve got it.

CURTIS (O.S.)

Alright. Are you sure you want to do this?

TONY

Yeah, I’m sure.

CURTIS (O.S.)

G-d bless you.

EXT. LAX / INT. RENTAL CAR - CONTINUOUS

Audrey watches with tears in her eyes as the plane takes off.

EXT. SKY / INT. PLANE - CONTINUOUS

Tony takes a picture of Michelle out of his pocket, kisses it, and clutches it close to his heart as he guides his plane toward the engine of the 757.

EXT. LAX - CONCOURSE

Audrey glances around and starts driving toward the parking lot.

EXT. LAX - GATE A RUNWAY - CONTINUOUS

Curtis and another agent get out of a CTU vehicle and “discover” Jack laying on the ground.

They pick Jack up and load him into the CTU vehicle.

EXT. LAX - GATE B RUNWAY - CONTINUOUS

Tony’s plane crashes head on into the armed plane, creating a massive EXPLOSION.

INT. CTU - CONTINUOUS

Bill, Edgar, Chloe, and a bunch of other people watch the explosion on the SAT-COMM.

EXT. LAX - PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS

Audrey pulls up and sees the CTU vehicle waiting.

Curtis gets out of the car.

CURTIS

(into mouthpiece)

Is anyone else in here?

CHLOE (O.S.)

No, you’re clear.

Curtis and the other agent quickly load Jack into Audrey’s
car.

INT. CTU - CONTINUOUS

INSERT: TV SCREEN

Footage of the explosion is shown on screen.

REPORTER (V.O.)

You’re seeing footage from LAX airport just moments ago. We’re being told that a rogue former agent hijacked a plane and killed another agent before crashing into a stationary aircraft. There were no passengers aboard either aircraft, and nobody else appears to have been injured. It’s unknown at this time whether the explosion at LAX is connected to anything else that’s happened today.

BACK TO SCENE

Edgar shakes his head angrily.

EDGAR

It’s not fair. He deserved to die a hero.

BILL

To everyone who knows the truth, he did. More importantly, he died knowing he was serving his country. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters.

Chloe places a reassuring hand on Edgar’s arm. He gives her a funny look, surprised by this gesture of friendship, so she scoffs and backs away.

INT. CTU - CONTINUOUS

INSERT: TV SCREEN

REPORTER (ON SCREEN)

The name of the agent killed is also being withheld for the time being.

Suddenly, the news story about the explosion at LAX is interrupted.

REPORTER (ON SCREEN)

We just received breaking news regarding the assassination of former President David Palmer yesterday morning in Los Angeles. According to his brother, the former president left behind a video recording that he requested in his will to be publicly aired in the event of his death. We’re reviewing the tape now and as soon as we confirm that it’s verified and safe to show we’ll have it for you here on Faux.

EXT. LAX - OUTER EXIT

Audrey stops and shows her DOD ID to a guard at the exit. The guard briefly glances into her car, then nods and gives her back her ID.

FOLLOW the car as it exits the airport.

INSIDE THE CAR

ON JACK

Laying in the back seat.

Audrey reaches back and sticks her hand back for him to hold.

His body starts to shake with tears as he grips her hand tightly.

SHOW the vehicle from behind as it drives away.

INT. CTU

Chloe, Edgar, Buchanan, and other CTU employees stand around a big TV screen on the wall.

INSERT: TV SCREEN

PALMER (ON SCREEN)

On March 15, 2006, raid on the Chinese consulate in Los Angeles was carried out by a federal agent named Jack Bauer. The purpose of the raid was to extract a witness whom we believed to have critical information necessary to stopping a nuclear missile from annihilating a major city in the United States. During the course of the raid, the Chinese consul was tragically killed by friendly fire. As a result of the accident, Jack Bauer was forced to take responsibility for the attack and disappear. I regret that due to national security concerns, the truth had to be concealed during my lifetime. In truth, Jack Bauer did not act alone - he acted on my orders.

BACK TO SCENE

Everyone gasps. Chloe realizes all eyes are on her.

CHLOE

Why is everybody looking at me?

ON TV SCREEN:

PALMER (ON SCREEN)

At the time I’m recording this, I don’t know where Jack is or what identity he’s living under. But I do know that Jack Bauer is a hero who has repeatedly put his life on the line and made terrible personal sacrifices to save the lives of millions of Americans. My last wish, my last prayer for this country, is that Jack Bauer be allowed to return to the United States safely, and that he be treated like the hero that he is.

fade out.

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