Counterterrorism in America

Inside the news van, the entire scene with Elvin's arrest and beating was still being broadcast live. The camera was rolling, but Jack Bauer couldn't care less. He turned his gaze toward the cameraman and lighting technician. Both immediately raised their hands in surrender, signaling they had nothing to do with what had just happened.

Outside, the surrounding reporters instinctively backed away as Bauer's sharp gaze swept across them. Many seasoned journalists knew that Bauer was not someone to cross. He had a history of involvement in major incidents during his time with the Counter-Terrorism Division (CTU). Despite all the controversies, he had risen to lead CTU's Los Angeles division. For someone like Bauer, dealing with a rogue journalist was nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

CTU had always been different from other agencies. They didn't care what the media said. When it came to national security, all else was secondary.

Inside the building, Owen was momentarily startled by a sudden voice over his radio. "Who are you?"

His first thought was that the robbers might have taken a hostage to lure him out, but the tone quickly reassured him.

"I'm Jack Bauer from CTU. From now on, I'm in charge of this operation."

Owen froze for a moment, overwhelmed by the absurdity of the situation. He was now speaking directly with the Jack Bauer.

The idea of interacting with the infamous CTU agent sent chills down his spine. Images from the show "24" flashed through his mind—nuclear crises, biological warfare, presidential assassinations, and international kidnappings. Owen suddenly felt as if the world he lived in had become terrifyingly dangerous.

Before he could fully process it all, McClane grabbed the radio and began yelling. "I don't care about your CTU or whatever the hell you are! How the hell do these bastards know my identity?! What's going on here?!"

There was a brief pause before Bauer responded. "A journalist intercepted our communication channel and broadcast the information on live TV. We have him in custody now."

McClane's face contorted with rage. He began cursing loudly—at the journalist, at CTU, at LAPD—anyone he could blame.

Owen feared McClane might smash the radio in his fury and quickly took it from him. "Sorry about that. McClane's upset. The robbers are using his wife as leverage. We managed to stall them for now, but we need your help to get the hostages—and his wife—out safely."

Bauer's voice came back, calm and direct. "What's your plan?"

"Well… here's the idea…" Owen explained, improvising as he spoke. "The robbers want the bonds from the vault. We're going to take control of the vault ourselves and use the bonds to negotiate for the hostages. That way, both sides have something the other wants. Even if we can't save everyone, we can at least get McClane's wife out of there."

After a brief silence, Bauer agreed. "What do you need from us?"

"First, I need the vault's exact location. Second, we need you to disable their surveillance system. Lastly, we'll need sniper support. McClane and I will handle the vault while your team monitors the hostages. If anything goes wrong, your snipers will need to take action."

Bauer responded without hesitation. "The surveillance system was already taken offline before I contacted you. Hold on while I check the blueprints for the vault's location."

In the command center, Bauer quickly located the vault on the building's plans. "It's on the 18th floor, west wing. We'll proceed according to your plan. I'll have my tactical teams ready. You'll also be on a shared channel with the sniper team. I'll infiltrate the building to monitor the hostages. We'll coordinate from there."

With the plan set, both sides prepared for action. Owen briefly touched base with Bob, the sniper from earlier.

In the stairwell, Owen and McClane raced upward. With the surveillance cameras disabled, they could finally move freely and pick up their pace. For once, things seemed to be going in their favor.

Meanwhile, Hans received a report from the monitoring team.

"The surveillance system's been cut," the guard informed him.

Hans frowned. He hadn't expected the cameras to go down, not after they had remained operational for so long. He still didn't know that CTU had taken over the operation.

Suddenly, the radio crackled with a jubilant voice. "Hans, I did it! The vault's open! I told you I was the best! You won't believe what's in here—it's more than just the bonds. You're gonna love it!"

Hans's lips curled into a smile. The vault was the entire reason for this operation. He wasn't some idealistic terrorist—he was here for the money. Let the police, reporters, and hostages rot. As for those two meddlesome "dynamic duo" pests, they were no longer his priority.

"Alright. You, you, and you—come with me. Bring the woman." Hans ordered, gesturing to Holly. "Alex, you're in charge while I'm gone."

The elevator arrived at the 18th floor. Hans and his men entered the vault, greeted by the sight of a bespectacled hacker packing stacks of cash into travel bags. Two bags were already full and sitting by the entrance.

"Hey, guys!" the hacker greeted them cheerfully, slapping shoulders with a few of the guards.

Hans's men stared in awe at the contents of the vault. Piles of cash and bonds stretched before them. They rushed inside, laughing and stuffing their pockets like children in a candy store.

Hans remained at the entrance, watching with amusement as his men lost themselves in the frenzy of wealth. Besides the expected $500 million in bonds, the vault also held $50 million in cash—neatly stacked and ready to be taken. It was far more than he had anticipated.

For Hans, it was a dream come true. This haul was worth more than any bank heist.

Holly, still bound as a hostage, observed the madness with a mixture of disgust and fear. Her gaze shifted to a nearby table covered with neatly assembled explosives and remote detonators.

"You're going to blow this place up, aren't you?" she asked.

"Of course," Hans replied smugly. "Steal fifty dollars, and nobody cares. Steal five hundred million, and the whole world comes after you. I'll make sure they never know how much I took."

"You're despicable," Holly spat.

Hans chuckled, thoroughly enjoying himself. "I'll take that as a compliment."

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