Chapter 58: Terrorist Attack

The initially planned eight weeks of training swiftly passed by, with Owen thoroughly enjoying his studies, absorbing knowledge like a sponge. This opportunity was too precious, and he felt himself improving rapidly every day. However, his training was abruptly cut short when he received a call from Jack Bauer.

"Owen?"

"I'm here, Jack. Is something wrong?"

"Sorry, but we need to end your training early. Joshua got injured. He was ambushed while investigating a case and is now in the hospital. We've had another incident, and we're short on personnel, so you're being called back early..."

"Okay, I'll book a flight for this afternoon."

"Your flight has already been booked. It's at 8 AM tomorrow, arriving in Los Angeles at 4 PM. We've already informed the training center."

"Alright, see you tomorrow."

Joshua, like Owen, was a member of the operations division under Tony's command. However, Owen had only been there for a day before being sent to training, so he only knew most people by sight.

After hanging up, Owen realized everyone was looking at him. They had overheard the conversation.

"Guy, you're leaving?" Donald asked.

"Yes, I have to leave early."

"Leaving early isn't bad. You get to join CTU sooner. Not like us, still uncertain about the future..."

Donald spoke hesitantly. Owen was the only one among the trainees known to join Los Angeles CTU. The CTU and CIA systems were different, and while Owen knew he was joining the operations division of Los Angeles CTU, CIA did not inform their trainees in advance.

Though this batch of trainees was destined for the operations division, in reality, many in the intelligence analysis and support divisions were recruited directly from universities and did not undergo similar training.

CIA usually assigned job positions after training completion, dispersing individuals across the country, or even globally.

The trainees and Morrie came up to say goodbye to Owen, some with reluctance, even Donald wasn't his usual jovial self. Owen didn't want to dampen the mood and laughed, "Come on, guys, don't be like that. This isn't the you I know. Let's meet at the usual place tonight. I'll buy drinks, and if someone manages to get me drunk, I won't leave tomorrow..."

"That's a promise..."

"Ha ha ha..."

Of course, staying if he got drunk was just a joke. Early the next day, Owen was on his way to the airport.

Lasvias, although not secret, had no taxis nearby. Like on his arrival, a designated vehicle from the training base took them to the airport.

Owen quickly reached the airport, boarded the plane, and the time flew by. After sleeping for a while, the plane landed at Los Angeles International Airport, and Owen returned to the City of Angels after more than a month.

Collecting his luggage, Owen walked out of the airport. Carlos had said he would pick him up, but called last minute about an emergency, so Owen had to take a taxi.

Owen understood Carlos's no-show; coming from the Major Crimes Unit himself, he knew their time was not their own, always on call 24/7.

Taking a taxi from the airport, Owen headed straight to CTU. Unfortunately, they soon hit traffic due to a malfunction in the traffic signal system in the East District, causing accidents and widespread congestion.

Initially confined to the East District, the congestion spread to other areas. Listening to the news, Owen saw a long line of stopped vehicles behind him.

With no movement and incessant honking doing no good, some drivers turned off their engines. Owen had no choice but to wait patiently.

Owen was certain Carlos's emergency was related to the traffic chaos. In such situations, all officers would be needed to help clear the traffic, or Los Angeles would be in trouble.

After about an hour, the traffic finally moved, thanks to police efforts. Amid the driver's curses, the taxi started moving again.

Twenty minutes later, Owen reached his destination, paying triple the usual fare before getting out. Standing at the entrance, he felt a sense of unfamiliarity with the three-story building of CTU after being away for a month and a half.

Entering CTU, Owen was immediately struck by the familiar scene of hustle and bustle. CTU seemed to be perpetually busy, putting everyone on edge as soon as they walked in.

He hadn't gone far when he saw Jack Bauer yelling in the lobby.

"Chloe, have you gotten through to Miami CTU?"

"Not yet, Jack..."

"Keep trying. Esha, notify CIA and FBI. We need their help investigating everything about the Cruel Angels..."

"Right away..."

Jack looked up, noticing Owen entering the lobby.

"Jack..."

"You're back..."

"Yes, traffic was horrible outside, so..."

"I know. Tony left with a team two hours ago. They haven't reached their target due to this damn traffic..."

"What happened?" Owen sensed something was off.

"A few days ago, we helped Miami CTU apprehend some members of a newly formed group called 'Cruel Angels.' We're still unclear about their goals, but an hour ago, the FBI reported a bomb attack on Miami CTU. Director Maguire and several officials were killed, with over 70% casualties in Miami CTU. No one has claimed responsibility yet, but I suspect it's the work of the Cruel Angels..."

Jack spoke rapidly, reflecting his efficient style. Owen was shocked, unable to believe a CTU responsible for counter-terrorism was attacked. This was a blatant provocation.

Miami CTU?

Owen knew it covered the entire state of Florida, a fact he learned later. Technically, Los Angeles CTU should be called California CTU, responsible for counter-terrorism across the entire state of California.