Will Jack be able to rescue her? Will she forgive him

OMGOSH!! You updated!! Finally! And a great update with the usual suspense, drama, and Murphy's Law it is! =] You'd better update again soon.

'Kay, first of all let me congratulate you on this chapter on a whole. It's really just a gigantic cobweb of plots and subplots all hitting their peak at the same moment, and the fact that I could actually follow what I was reading alone deserves applause. The suspense was excellent; it starts building up from the first words and doesn't stop until that last breathtaking sentence. If I had to summarize this chapter in once sentence it would be: The sh*t hits the fan. Haha.
I really liked the first part because it was from Jack's perspective. There has been very little Jack POV in this entire series; using it now - at such a crucial moment, and concerning such sensitive topic - made its rarity stand out like a flashlight in the dark. The reader just *knows* something is up. I also liked it because it shows Jack in such a vulnerable position. All of sudden you realize she means much more to him than he ever let anyone know; that it's not just his companion of a few months he's trying to save, but, as you learn later, his own flesh and blood. I like that he's able to stay 100 percent objective about her, unlike he is about Kim. Not being around when she grew up apparently allows him to see her strength, her independence; makes him realize she doesn't need him to look out for her (anymore). He's willing to let her go because she doesn't need him, not because he thinks she's better off without him like with Kim.
The short Alex/Chase reunion was cute, just thought I'd mention that. :D
THE scene ;)... it was awesome. Really awesome. My main concern for it was that it would be *just* about Alex's temper, that we as readers wouldn't see past her blind rage. Fortunately, this wasn't the case. There's anger, yes, understandingly so - but there's also pain and grief and disbelief and bewilderment. Her mother could have been saved had Jack put her well being above the Mexico operation; it's as simple as that. And for Alex this fact makes the pain of her death suddenly flare up like it happened yesterday. The part where Jack reveals the affair was also really well done. I like how Alex's questions are all aggressive, while Jack is more subdued. This definitely suggests guilt on his part - Jack Bauer doesn't back down unless he's on one of his guilt trips. I loved how Tony seemed to understand where the conversation was heading long before Alex did, it shows how well he's learned to read Jack's signs over the years. And I loved Jack's quiet apology when he finally reveals his connection to Alex. I couldn't help but notice how the apology only came after he confessed to being her biological father, not when he told her about the affair or admitting he hadn't been quick enough to save her mother. For seven seasons we've watched this man apologize basically for existing, making this particular moment spot on with his self-destructive character.
Tony was a hero in the part that came afterwards; calm and supportive and reassuring. Just how we love him (except we love him hotheaded and arrogant too). :D I love how he doesn't try to make anything better. He just holds her. I imagine it was a shocker for him too that there was still a whole part of Jack's life that he knew nothing about. As for Alex... Considering the fact that everything explodes in the next little while, I don't think she's processed all this new, painful information yet, so I can't wait to see how/if she'll come to terms with the whole thing. I'm wondering if she'll eventually decide to tell her loved ones (Rick, Claire, Bill, Michelle, Chase...) or if she'll ask Tony to just keep it to himself.
I liked the Rick/Bill scene because it shows how the fews days back in LA did Bill some good. At least he has perspective now. Haha. And I love how Rick's like "umm... where's all this coming from?". They'll get along eventually. You'll see. :P
Rick's conversation with Eva amused me greatly because... he's apologizing to one of his "flings" for letting them think the relationship was something it would never be for maybe the first time. Like I *know* the circumstances are a little different this time, that he's breaking up with her for a different reason, but still... pretty amusing. :) Eva doesn't seem to be getting any brighter by the way. *groan* She really, really doesn't get it...
Alex's reunion with Wiley was cute too! I always knew I liked him. I like that their relationship is completely platonic, kind of like a big brother/little sister (basically, what Rick would have been if not for the overwhelming sexual attraction and all :P).
The confrontation with Hammond was amazing. You nail that guy every effing time: the taunting, the arrogance, the ease with which he manages to bait Tony by threatening Michelle. The part where Rick gives Alex up was so heartbreaking, because both their personalities once again blatantly shine through. Alex gives herself up because it's what is best for everyone else, and Rick lets her because he can love her *and* see the bigger picture at the same time. I love how Michelle so clearly recognizes the look on her brother-in-law's face. She's been there, she's watched the love of her life be taken away in handcuffs; but also, if she been in Rick's place she would have done the same thing and hated herself just as much. :( Jack's intervening was heart wrenching too, because you know he's doing it without ulterior motive. He's not doing it so she would forgive him; he's doing it because he can't fail her on a rare occasion when he still might be able to do her some good...
And oh my god, I never expected the Chinese to show up NOW make an even bigger mess of the whole thing! Shame on you for holding that back. :P Suddenly Alex's arrest and Jack's revelation and all that other stuff doesn't seem so unconquerable; they all kind of fade in comparison to god knows how many armed Chinese guys stomping through the CTU corridors. :S (I was actually kind of ** at them for interrupting an amazing Alex/Hammond scene - how twisted is THAT? lol)
Ah! You *have* to write the next part fast! I really can't wait long this time... Really, really can't. Haha. So I'm strongly urging you to use these last few days of summer vacation (not to depress you or anything) to get AS MUCH on paper as you possibly can. You got it? :P
This chapter was pure awesomeness, my dear. More of these to come please! :D

I've said it about 10 times already, but poor Alex. The ** really hits the fan at the worst possible time, doesn't it?

Okay so I'll do a quick rundown of the things I luffed in this chapter.

1. The fact that it got posted. I know it was being cranky on you and giving you a hard time, so YAY that you posted. :D

2. Jack finally owning up, even if it's just to himself at first. It's such a Jack thing to do, to think that Alex's father would find out and just take it out on him, instead of say, the people he's around nearly every day. From a continuity point of view, I love the idea that Jack and Teri were never totally "good" the entire time, because it just rings so true.

3. Tony just coming up behind her and being that solid presence when she's upset and needs someone as everything's coming into place and it's tearing her apart to hear it.

4. Rick and Bil. Just the... the way it's like Bill's accepting that Rick can and will do anything to protect her. I love that.

5. WILEY. That's all I'mma say about him, 'cause you know I **heart** him.

6. Alex giving herself up so that nobody else would get arrested or threatened, and Tony just lunging when Hammond made the comment about Michelle. Speaking of Michelle, I can picture her face as she flashes back to the day Tony was arrested and it kinda gives me chills.

7. Snarly Alex in the holding room. Epic. She's not stupid, she knows why Brad does what he does. And her sort of amusement that CTU's not cooperating with him amused me.

8. Also, Rick apologizing to Eva. For some reason that really gets me, 'cause like, he didn't even *do* anything with her, but he still feels bad that she apparently thought there was more there. And her reaction to knowing Rick was with Alex amuses me.

9. And Cheng. The way Rick was just able to say one word and she knew...

10. Did I mention poor Alex? She just keeps getting kicked when she's down.

Holy...crap...

Wow. I didn't see that coming. And the end, jeez.

i like this story :) continue soon,please

Will Hammond take Alex into custody, and will Jack explain how he knew her fathef, and mother

im still reading this and loving it very much ! i hope eva will not cause too much trouble for them. i love all you're sweet tony n michelle moments.

Yay! :D
Love the flashback, just thought I'd say that again. I just love the mysterious mood and Alex's confusion and Diana's desperation. I can't wait for her and John's plan to come out in the open. Hehe.
The Tony/Alex scene keeps cracking me up, no matter how many times I've read it. I love the little changes you made: the part where Alex think about the shift in her relationship with Rick in particular. She's finally beginning to believe he wants *her*, and only her, and that just really makes me smile. :) Kinda funny how she thinks her not being able to have sex might be a good thing for once. Haha. I love love love how they took advantage of their downtime in New York to grow closer, open up, break down all the barriers. They're just Rick and Alex now, just as they should be. They've reached a point they were nowhere even close to when Alex disappeared, and it's nice to know they know exactly where the other stands now. (The part at the end of the chapter where Claire mentions Eva, Alex reacts very calmly and very maturely also showed me how much the relationship has changed. Before she disappeared the walls would have gone up, the defense mechanisms would've taken place, she most likely would have snapped something about him not owing her any kind of loyalty after she left, things would've gotten ugly... She was able to be much more rational and understanding about it now, and I'm convinced this is because she knows for sure how he feels. That makes me happy. :D But more about the end of the chapter later on...)
I also loved how you threw the Nightfall conversation in there. I like that out of her three companions, Tony is the one she chooses to approach about it - partly because he knows Jack best, no doubt, but probably also because he's so much like her and she knows he'll always understand where she's coming from. Now I'm starting to wonder how Tony will react once the truth comes out...
Cuddling/Tony-ish Rick is hilarious, yadda yadda yadda. The guy just missed her so much, didn't he? :P
Proof! :D I thought Tony's moment of relief was very well done - the guilt he still carries around for getting Alex into this was so palpable, so hopefully this might take some of the weight off his shoulders. I also liked how with Karen he was the one adamantly against taking Alex back to LA, while with Rick he was the one gently arguing for it. I loved that scene btw; Tony getting to be the reassuring big brother for the first time in a while, and I really loved the closeness between them that was so palpable here. It's obvious Tony completely understands Rick's reluctance - if there's anything Tony understands it's the instinct to protect the woman he loves - and it was so sweet how he remained soft and gentle, never once getting impatient like he might've if they were disagreeing about anything else. And it's nice to see that despite everything, Rick still trusts his brother's judgement.
The Alex/Claire reunion was so bittersweet. :) I love how Rick went and grabbed Claire, obviously knowing how much the two girls were dying to see each other (even if it turned out not to be such a good call in retrospect :S). Again, Alex's emotional nakedness floored me - there's no masking her feelings when Claire's around, she's an open book to everyone in the room. Alex's gentle reassurances once again beautifully contrasted Claire's anxiety, just like during their phone conversation in the last chapter. I also loved the obvious affection in Alex's voice when she talked about Claire being a "big shot CTU analyst". So cute. :)
Gah. I'm liking Eva less every chapter. *groan* It drives me crazy that this whole thing could have been avoided had Rick just given her second of his attention, the way she obviously craved it. She's going to ruin everything! :S :S :S Finally her role in the story is becoming clear to me. Haha. I liked the very end where she hesitates for about two seconds and then convinces herself she'd done the right thing. It definitely gives you a feeling for the kind of person she is: very by the book, sticks to her principles, follows the chain of command without question or stopping to consider there might be more to it than what she's been told. *makes a face*
And the worst part is that it's not only Alex and Rick she's getting into trouble - it's also Tony, Michelle and Claire. Ah! This is definitely one of your meanest cliffhangers yet. I can only imagine what a mess the next chapter will be. Haha. So I know you're busy, but... Do your best for me? That's all I can ask. :)
Awesome stuff and I can't wait for more...

Hey! You updated!! Tiight!! But AH!! A ray of hope is shone and then BAM! ...crushed by that ignorant rat, Eva. HOW COULD YOU!!? And interesting... Alex and Jack's past is getting intriguing. Update soon, and you'd better not take as long.

Awesome. More of this. Always a good thing.

Can't wait to see what happens when they find out what's wrong with Michelle.

Where to start, where to start... hmm...

Grumpy pre-coffee Tony makes me smile ridiculously huge. I love how he and Alex can give each other so much crap, but he's still so protective and determined to keep her safe. I'm a big sucker for the whole family dynamic, and I love how she and Tony get along - like she's willing to come to him with her jumble of thoughts, but she's also going to call him sunshine at the coffee maker. His conversation with Rick about just taking her home really gets me, too. 'Cause he's been there in some respects, and he didn't want that for his brother.

I'm not sure which is worse for them: the fact that Hammond's on their doorstep already, the Chinese are possibly being shifty, or the fact that Eva's selling them out so Hammond's a guarantee.

Claire's tacklehug makes me smile, a lot. :) Just saying.

Lovely chapter, m'dear, as always! :)

i just want your stories to last forever! they are all brilliant! please keep writing :D

Nice to have some downtime from all the go go go. The interaction between them all is so smooth. And now of course I'm dying to know what's up with Hammond and Jack.

And the baby thing...

What occured to her