White House, Small Banquet Hall
As the host announced the commencement of the ceremony, a dignified yet spirited march began to play. To its rhythm, six figures marched into the hall in perfect step: Simon Riley, Steve Owen, Monica Weiss, Heartbeat, Can Opener, and Trigger. All wore formal dress uniforms, their expressions solemn. Under the eyes of the assembled guests, they strode down the central aisle and lined up neatly in front of the podium.
Their demeanor reflected the gravity of the moment. And seated before them in the audience were many familiar faces—anyone versed in politics would recognize that the front rows were filled with key members of the current U.S. cabinet.
Today's ceremony was hed in private by the White House to honor CTU's success in thwarting the recent nerve gas terrorist plot. Because CTU agents operate in the shadows, the event was closed to the public, and no media were allowed. Attendees were limited to members of the White House and the Department of Defense—most of whom had been directly involved in handling the crisis over the past few days.
At this moment, President David Palmer himself stood beside the six agents, smiling proudly at the heroes waiting to be decorated.
In the crowd were Jack Bauer, Acting CIA Director Martin Davis, representatives from the NSA, Department of Defense, and all branches of the military. Nearly every high-level authority was present.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor to introduce to you six heroes who saved America in its hour of need. They come from CTU. They displayed immense courage and intelligence. Now, I present to you: Agent Simon Riley, Agent Steve Owen, Agent Monica Weiss…"
As President Palmer read each name, the corresponding agent took one step forward to a round of applause from the audience.
Though many in the audience were politicians and officials, all were sincerely grateful. After all, saving America meant saving themselves—their futures, their legacies, and their very lives. A VX gas attack would have changed the country forever. These six had prevented it.
"Thank you," Palmer continued. "Thank you for your service to this country. America's safety depends on people like you. Your bravery is an inspiration to us all. You are true warriors, and I hope you achieve even greater feats at CTU in the future."
He applauded first, and soon the whole room joined in. The six agents became the center of attention.
"And now, I will present you with the Medal of Valor. This medal represents the gratitude of a nation and honors your personal courage. Thank you, Agent Riley…"
Palmer pinned the six-pointed gold medal on Simon Riley's chest. Simon saluted sharply, then shook the president's hand. A commemorative photo was taken.
Then Palmer moved to Owen.
Though the medal presentation followed no particular order, Simon—as the team's commander—deserved to go first. Owen, the leader of the Rapid Response Team, had also been at the forefront during the mission. His contributions were unquestionable, and no one contested his place as second.
The others didn't mind the order. Trigger, who hadn't made it onto the plane due to an accident, naturally stood last.
"America thanks you for your service, Agent Owen…" Palmer smiled as he pinned the medal on Owen's chest, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder.
They were already familiar with each other. Back when Palmer was still a presidential candidate, Owen had saved his life. Since then, with Palmer's support, CTU had grown into a formidable force—a sword in the President's hand. If VX gas had exploded on U.S. soil, it would have spelled the end of Palmer's presidency. In a crisis like that, no matter what he did, it would've been the wrong move.
"God bless America," Owen replied—something he'd picked up from movies. This was his first medal ceremony across both his lifetimes, and he'd studied up online to get it right.
One by one, each of the six received their medals and shook the president's hand. Afterward, the entire group took a photo together with Palmer. One copy of that photo would go to the White House, another to the CTU's Hall of Honor.
The Hall of Honor already housed several group photos. After every major mission, involved agents would take a picture for posterity. It was far more meaningful than reading through personnel files.
Once the ceremony concluded, the banquet hall began to clear. The dignitaries in attendance were extremely busy people.
"Owen, well done. I have high hopes for your Rapid Response Team…" Palmer said before he left, offering one more handshake and pat on the shoulder. It was a personal show of appreciation.
Later, a celebration was held—not at the White House, but at CTU headquarters. A private party service had already begun setting up.
When the six arrived at CTU, the party was already underway. Their entrance immediately drew attention, and congratulations rang out from all corners. They were the guests of honor, after all.
Hosting the party at CTU had been Jack's idea. Everyone had been under intense stress lately. It was time to relax. And if something came up, the operations center was just downstairs—nothing would be delayed.
Owen wandered through the crowd. He hadn't been at CTU HQ long and only really knew the department heads. He was nowhere near as sociable as Heartbeat, who had managed to become acquainted with nearly everyone in a matter of days.
"Owen, what are you doing over here?" Jack Bauer approached with a glass in hand.
"Nothing, just bored…" Owen shrugged and gestured for Jack to sit.
They chatted for a bit before Jack steered the conversation toward work.
"This incident… it's bigger than we thought. We've been working with our allies to go after the Chechens, the Amir Liberation Party, and the Will of the Persian Gulf. But the more we dig, the less it makes sense. Groups like that shouldn't have had access to VX gas. And then there's the issue with the plane itself—the weapons…"
Jack caught himself. "Ah, damn, I'm doing it again. Work talk at a party…"
"It's fine," Owen smiled. "I'm actually interested. Go on."
Seeing Owen didn't mind, Jack continued. "We've been analyzing testimonies from captured operatives. We found something disturbing: it seems the White Mask organization was involved in this attack too. I don't yet know what role they played, but it wasn't minor…"
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Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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