Hard Days Night

[Jack Bauer]

Details still being worked out. New RPG.

[Jason Bourne]

[Side Note: I just had to post this. It was bugging me.. and I had a huge urge to start this. Ha. So eh, enjoy. [grin] Oh, and as for the German in this post, I don't know or speak German. So for all I know, the translations/ german could be a little wrong. And yes, I know this entry is slightly long [perhaps a little short? lol].. but I figured we might as well start this already, eh?]

Jason Bourne sat wearily staring out the window as the bus and its few occupants drove by the snow covered trees on the narrow mountain side road. At the moment, he didn't know exactly where he was or where he was truly going. He knew he was headed to Zurich. He knew he had to just keep moving. It had only been a few weeks since Marie's death and since Bourne had killed the other Treadstone agent. The constant headache returned, after only stopping slightly when he was with Marie. He remembered when he had first met her, as she drove him to Paris, talking to him the entire drive. Her voice would always drive away his headaches, even if it was only a little bit. Jason slowly reached a hand into his coat pocket, pulling out the photograph of them in Goa. He felt the ghost of a smile form on his lips as he stared down at her smiling face.

However, he was pulled from his thoughts as he felt the bus begin to slow down. Jason slid the photograph back into his pocket, his eyes shooting towards the head of the bus to see the cause. He looked around momentarily, noticing that the other 7 passengers had done the same. Bourne sat back, instincts kicking in as he leaned against the side of the bus, looking between the cracks of where the seat met the window. His eyes gazed towards the front of the bus, scanning the roadblock before them. Jason sunk down in his seat slightly as he spotted two patrol cars. His hand reached into his jacket, fingers curling around the cold metal of the gun.

Jason listened as the bus driver opened the doors, talking to an officer. The bus driver spoke first, in german. "Was geht hier weiter?" [What is going on here?]. "Etwas ist in der Stadt geschehen", the officer replied. [Something has happened in the city]. Jason spoke fluent french, russian, dutch, german, italian and english; he didn't exactly know how he knew it all.. but then again, it was like when he discovered why he could tie knots and assemble guns without thinking about it. It was who he was; who he was trained to be. As he listened to them, two words stood out in his mind. Assassination. Explosion. They had blocked the roads, to keep watch, monitor and check the people who left the city and who entered it. And right now, Jason needed to get out of there. He couldn't be found; he was still wanted.

His back stiffened for a moment as he heard the officer say he wanted to check the bus and Jason instantly looked out his window, hiding his face, his eyes looking in the darkness of the night. Small flurries of snow began to flutter around outside and Jason watched the officer's reflection in his window, slowly making his way towards him at the back of the bus and looking down at every empty seat and the seven occupants. The officer was standing beside him, "He. He - Sie." [Hey. Hey- You], he said, staring down at Jason. Bourne's mind was running quickly through all the possibilities and options that he had. "He", the officer began again, his arm slowly reaching towards Jason's shoulder, "Sind sie Amerikanisch?" [Are you American?]. The officer's hand grasped his shoulder as he began to repeat the question in somewhat broken English.

Jason's left hand flew towards the officer's arm as he stood up and smacked his head with his elbow in one fluid motion. The officer dropped heavily to the floor, unconscious and the few passengers moved to inch away from Jason in their seats. His head jerked towards the bus' door as the sound of heavy footsteps raced up the steps, the other officer had his gun drawn. "Was tun Sie? Sie! Halt!" [What are you doing? You! Stop!]. His heart pumping with adrenaline and breathing heavily, Jason slowly lifted his arms into the air, his eyes holding steady on the officer and the gun. The officer moved forward a step and Jason grasped the man's hand, pulling it towards him. The officer fought back for a moment as Jason began trying to get the officer to drop the gun, smacking his hand on the seat.

The gun went off and shot through the bus' back window, the passengers giving a scream as they, and the bus driver, ran off the bus. Jason elbowed the man in the head, the officer dropping the weapon as he hit the floor holding his nose and moaning. Bourne grabbed the officers own cuffs, putting it on the man's wrist and the metal bar of the seat. Quickly, Jason grabbed his bag, running down the bus' steps. Some of the passengers shrieked and backed away from him. Bourne turned, walking behind the bus and headed towards the woods. He disappeared into the white, snow covered forest, his footprints quickly covered by the falling snow.

[Maize Hastings]

OOC: Sorry if this sounds weak. I'm a bit rusty and still learning the character.

Maize Hastings woke early before the blazing sun hit through her window to cast a blinding glow onto her sleeping eyes. She moved to Zurich, Switzerland two years previous with her olding father to live a peaceful as a farmer in the open fields. She left behind a fast-paced life in New York City. They now owned a small piece of land dedicated to poultry. With her father growing feeble over the years, Maize found herself taking up more of the responsibilities by herself. It was tiring, but she was still young and she needed the strength and time to keep her mind off other things.

She brushed a dirt-covered hand across her face to pull back her dark glossy hair behind her ear. Her back and neck where sweating from working in the coup all morning, and the heavy clothes she wore to keep warm in the winter. She hoped that more of the chicks would survive this season.

Her piercing eyes looked around at the mess from the chickens, slighlty apalled she stepped back. Maize let out a short curse when a delicate white eggshell shattered on the hay flooring. She groaned slightly, lifting up her boot laden foot to find yolk and egg white plastered into the crevices. She let her leg to the ground, a curled frown across her face as she opened the sticky wooded door to walk back to the house to clean up.

The door swung up, sending a blast of wind and icy snow into her face. Her arms went up to her face, peering between them to the direction of the house. Her sight cast along Hastings' territory, to the edge of the forest and past. The snow was heavy and barely allowed her vision much further, but she swore the only way she would notice something way through movement. A dark tiny figure past through the white collage of flakes. Her eyes instinctively blinked to keep them warm but when she re-opened them the figure was further ahead and most definately a person.

Trespassers, Maize thought to herself. Lashes narrow, her body collecting snow the longer she stood there. She trudged along the side of the red painted coup to lead her to the shed. Inside, she picked up the shotgun she used to spook off foxes during the summer. She wasn't going to use it, but it made her look much more threatening then going out to the forest wearing a giant goose feathered jacket and leather bound boots that were heavy to walk in the deep snow.

Gathering up the gun, Maize weighed it in her hands starting to the direction she last saw the shadow in. Turning back, she checked to see the light was still out in her father's bedroom before stopping at the edge of the trees.

The wind's force died down as she entered the blackening forest and silence enveloped her surroundings. Nothing living besides the trees seemed to occupy the area. Maize followed her instincts, keeping to the darkest shadows before catching another glimpse of the... man. He was a fair height, covered in more snow then she was. He seemed to be carrying a small bag over his shoulder. The shotgun raised in her arms, her eyes level with the barrel as she shouted, "Hey! What the hell do you think you're playing at?"

[James Bond]

Black tux fit form perfectly. Seamless in design it didn’t even wrinkle when tall stature took a seat at the open bar. Cufflinks seemed to gleam whenever ample light presented itself. Touch fell against the fabric of deep navy undershirt, fixing the slight uneven texture. Curled fingers fell across tightly pressed lips as brow arched in thought. Single digit fell along cheek bone as eyes shut momentarily. Elbow rested against left wrist, it was improper to rest elbows against tables and he was a man who wouldn’t allow a job to detour set manners. Hand that caressed his face fell to the martini glass that was placed before buyer. Giving a slight nod towards the bar tender. Corner of lips curved up into a soft grin. Mouth fell against chilled glass as he took back a sip.

Cobalt orbs glanced over towards the elevators. Sight caught the third elevator near the far right. None of the well dressed guests seemed to move towards it. The keycard reader gave away what he already knew. Limited access. Which he intended to gain entrée. Palms spread along maple table top pushing his body up from the bar stool. Lower limbs carried suit clad frame towards the middle elevator. While he waited for the doors to open, Bond again motioned to fix his cufflinks, but this time he turned the left counter clockwise. Metal doors slowly opened and he stepped in, but to big brother it was just an empty elevator. Reaching over, Bond pulled the emergency stop. Frame stood still as the elevator cut power, dim emergency light illuminated the small box. Taking a knee near the switch James applied a small timer against the lever. Eyes returned upward, his mind calculating the latch to the top. Leather shoes stepped up on the hand railing that adorned the elevator walls. Palm pushed up against the plate, fingers wrapped around opening in ceiling pulling himself up. Outside the elevator doors a few guests awaited the doors, the glow of button striking their patience even it if had only been a few seconds. James Bond was well aware he needed to hurry. As soon as lower body slipped through, fingers pressed down along small detonator. Emergency button popped back in, doors opened just before guests could strike up attention with complaints. Bodies moved in just as panel slipped back into place.

James took his balance, eyes quickly scanned through the darkened shaft tying to adjust pupils to limited light. Hand gripped cable tightly as shapes slipped into form. Auditory senses picked up the rumble of pulley system kicking into gear. Patrons within had picked their floor. Quickly lower limbs arched before he took the leap over to the third elevator. Weight slammed against the top of the elevator and the one to his right took flight. He went to work on the panel swiftly, his crouched stature sat motionless in the dark. Listening, until he heard the Brooklyn accent he’d been waiting for. Bond felt the elevator beneath him take rise, but he needed to wait at least a few moments until he got decent film. Again hand slipped to cufflinks, this time the right wrist. With that fingertips gripped along the panel lifting it entirely off without a hint of sound. Pulling out KJW Beretta M9 with silencer, shooting the loud mouth body guard. Mr. Brooklyn looked up as fast as he could only to see the shadow of a finger against lips in shh motion, before once again finger pulled against trigger.

Body fell from a loft. Straightening hands fell against tux before maneuvering up to fix his tie. Cerulean orbs looked up towards the camera, but those eyes who were watching the cameras only saw the Brooklyn and his lone bodyguard. Elevator stopped at the floor only a sacred keycard gained access to. As doors unfastened Bond stepped over the slumped out bodies. He paused for only a moment, lower limbs taking step just as doors closed behind him. Bond didn’t care about cameras now, they spun and did the security thing. If one timed it right they could trek down the hallway without mechanical eyes spotting them. Turning into the fourth door down, hand didn’t need to try the handle. Gun again aimed, fired, bada bing bada boom easy entry. Palm pushed along the door, as he headed over to the computer. Fingers worked quickly against keyboard of laptop. Inserting a zip drive, he downloaded what he needed. Now, the issue was making sure no one found out exactly what it was he downloaded. Replacing the zip drive with another portable zip, James left the chair mid swizzle.

Body took steps out towards hallway, paused for a moment as he looked down at his watch. Stepping out he headed down the hall, but even he couldn’t hold back the guns for long. “Hey, who the fuck are you?” Bond ignored, just kept his footfalls against the carpet towards the pre-planned exit. “Hey GQ, I’m talking to you…” The sound of a bullet echoed the elongated hallway, so this wasn’t going to go as planned, convenient. Well, in this line of work you have to roll with the punches or bullets. Hand worked over wrist watch pushing in the pin up above the one. Back in the computer room the zip blinked for a few seconds before exploding, engulfing the room and out into the hallway. Cutting off the men with guns for a few moments. That’s all he needed, he just needed to go off course. Slamming his shoulder into the stairwell door, suit ran down the stairs. Missing groups of steps all together as he jumped levels. Bond needed to get out of there. He didn’t exit onto the main floor but kept going. Down into the cleaning level, running he slammed into doors. None were unlocked. Groaning as he picked up the pace. Lungs inhaled deeply as he ran harder leather soles pumped into the cement ground. Trying the last door it gave way under weight. Calves pumped him up the receiving dock, resuming a nice walk as he rounded the front of the hotel. Once he intertwined with people his pace turned casual. Valet caught sight and within four minutes had Aston Martin Vanquish awaiting its driver back behind the wheel. Bond slipped the kid a c-note, before physique slid into the diver’s seat and he was gone. Simply a ghost to those inside, one that tipped very well.

[Jason Bourne]

Jason Bourne had trudged through the snow, his feet now numb, as he continued to walk through the woods. He hadn't stopped, believing that someone would soon be heading his way after hearing of the bus incident. Surely no one would be able to find him as the falling snow covered his tracks. If police were looking for him, all they had to go on was the direction he headed; the direction in which the passengers saw him go. He hated this.. this feeling, this sense that he had to keep moving. He was always on the run, escaping from something all the time. He pulled his arms around him, his bag still hanging from his shoulder, trying to get warm.

Finally there was a change in scenery; a fence, covered in a thick layer of snow. He squinted through the white specks, seeing what appeared to be a farm house. His eyes sweeped over the area before him. There was no one there; but he'd rather not take the risk of walking straight through like an open target. Slowly he began walking once again, following the line of the fence towards the house, keeping covered under white trees. His fingers felt numb as he lightly trailed it along the top of the fence. His walk was controlled, his back straight, his mind alert, his breathing calm and steady. He's reached the end of his walk, the barn now close to him. He wonders if he would be able to sleep there, just for the night. Bourne's back stiffens as he hears the crunch of snow; someone is near him. He knows its a woman; her perfume strong in the winter air.

Jason's back is to her. She's armed. He could smell it. He turns his head, glancing at her as he slowly raises his hands before him. She shouts and he sees that she is American. Bourne slowly turns, seeing that she is young and hopefully not a threat to him. His eyes are on the shotgun in her hands, noticing how she holds the gun in her steady hands. His breath comes out in a cloud as he stands, his back straight, eyes focused. His arm moves and the bag swings on his shoulder as he grasps the gun, his foot sliding under hers in a sliding kick. He moves like its programmed into him, unbelievably fast and smooth. The way he moves is natural, like he has done it a million times before. Jason grasps the shotgun now in his hands, pressing against his shoulder as he aims it down at the woman laying on the snowy ground.

[Maize Hastings]

Maize paused, taking the time to look the man in the eyes. Her right eyelid opened slowly, loosening her grip around the trigger. A few inky curls fell from behind her ear, covering the side of her vision as she watched the slightly older man twist his neck to take her own figure into scene. His feet turned round to face her head on, as his arms lifted to show submission. The heavy footprints were already hidden as her eyes soaked in his appearance. They flickered between his own eyes and the situation his seemed to have caught himself in. Maize repeated her phase, her voice barely carrying through the white powdery flakes. He either refrained from answering or hadn't heard her. It frustrated her that he thought he could get away with it, but the gun in her hands told him otherwise.

She waited, the frosty air beginning to nip at her face, causing her nose to turn a soft rosy pink and started to run. But her eyes never faltered; he looked lost, like he didn't know where he was heading. Eyes filled with pain and confusion, Maize couldn't tell if his frame was stiff from the cold or the fact that his body was at gun point. A sudden thought occurred to her that perhaps he didn't speak English, but there was no way in telling what language he possibly spoke around these parts. Her mind cracked, thinking maybe she could cut him some slack; he was just passing through after all?

Before Maize got the chance to re-state her first motive, the man's arm lashed out, sliding across the shotgun taking it in a steady and firm grip. It’s hauled roughly from her rigid arms, not standing a chance unless she puts herself off balance. A swift leg collapsed her knees, sending her tumbling face forward into the pale snowflakes. Her hair in a twirl, wind brushing past her cheeks as her boots slip from beneath her. A sharp, sudden shriek echoed, bouncing from tree to tree, deteriorating before it reached the open field. Her arm reached out to clutch the stone frozen metal fencing around her property. Maize’s outstretched arm is wide as her face collides with the ground, sending a rumble back through her bones before she settled silently, the air knocked out her of lungs. She choked on the cold air as it re-entered her warm throat as she lifted her neck up, a few bits of snow stuck on her numb cheek as they melted.

Her eyelashes open, pieced together from the wet tears of the shock, revealed that the man hadn’t knocked her out and left but now threatened her life with the same weapon. Maize scanned the trunks of the trees for the farm house, perhaps her father was up; but he was in no state to help her. She absently pondered her options, which are sliming by the moments. The male was reckless.

“Who do you think you are? W-what do you want from me?” Hastings’ voice croaked out, finding solace at the surprise of how steady it sounded.

[Adriana Gualtier]

Bare feet walked on the plush carpet of the expensive hotel room, body lithe and toned, the woman answered her phone. “The money?” She listened and smiled “Good, you have yourself one less person to deal with,” Snapping the phone shut she laid down on the bed for a few minutes thinking on how best to eliminate her target. Her mind sorting through its options she turned to her side as she eyed everything in the room. Generally, when she took a job she would go in, play her part, and get close to her target. This time it was just a matter of getting him in the right place, right time and make it look like an accident. A smile formed on her face as she thought how best to kill her mark. She knew he owned a car lot and was a drug dealer, put two and two together and you have someone high enough in the drug cartel that could make or break the big boss’s life.

Pulling up she slid her robe off her body, walking naked around the room she went to her bag and pulled out black pants, black shirt, and socks. She had done her research through and through and knew every move this guy made. He was like a stopwatch, went to the same thing every night, and did the same thing. Tonight her mark would be at the dealership getting ready for a shipment of drugs to be sent out, what the target didn’t know, was his deal was with a cop and his boss had found out. How do you get rid of a liability? Hire an assassin to do the job and make it look like an accident to cover your tracks.

Slipping the clothes on she gave a look at herself in the mirror before she turned and sat down at the small table. There atop it was what she needed for tonight. Her guns, knifes and her special package for her target, a brief case of money, on the bottom a bomb that she would detonate when she was out of range. A chuckle worked up inside her as she thought about the cop that she had killed earlier in the day. He had been so easy to help a woman in distress that it almost took the fun out of it for her. In the end, it had made little difference to her how she disposed of him so she could do her job, which incidentally paid her a huge sum.

She gave a quick glance to her watch and smirked it was time to finish this job and move on to something else. Pulling up from the chair, she placed her weapons in various places on her body only stopping at the mirror to check to make sure nothing showed. Grabbing her boots, she did them up and grabbed the briefcase heading out of her room.

Body moved with light steps as she made her way to her car she opened the door sliding the case onto the passenger side, shut the door, and slid the keys into the ignition. Once the car came to life, she drove to her destination. Parking a block away, she opened the door and reached for the case, got out of the car and shut the door. Form moved with purpose as she made her way to her drop point. A light smile on her face, she rounded the corner alert to anything. Strides took her closer to her target she put a sway into her hips as she played the part of a woman looking for something more then just a car. Adriana opened the door to the building, set the case down by the door, and gave a wink to her target. “Darling, I’m looking for the man that owns this place” Her voice carried a drawl as she approached him.

“I’m the owner,” The guy smiled at her.

Adriana ran a hand down his chest. “Good golly such a strapping man, you don’t think you could help little ole me find a car could you?”

“I think I can help you.”

Adriana was loving it, the guy was playing right into her hands as always she felt a thrill of anticipation at what she was about to do. Kill and just for tonight, leave with a big bang. “Gee, so many cars to choose from.”

“Sugar, I only sell the best.”

“Really, how about the red Mercedes over there in the corner, I love me a fast car.”

“That one’s sold.”

“Well, darn it, I wanted that one.”

Her mark had moved closer to her she gave a coy smile as he spoke. “I can offer you the black one and I’ll give you the extra features at no cost.”

She watched as he suggestively implied that they get a little closer, she winked at him, “Sure thing handsome.” She turned from him and walked to the door, picked up the case, and brought it over to him, “I have all the funds right here in this little black case.”

He smiled at her and she smiled back, “My office we can do up the paper work there.”

“Oh sure thing.”

She walked beside him she felt him reach around her and grab her ass and she let out a giggle, “Careful now, you don’t want to give me the wrong idea.”

“Oh but I do,” he chuckled.

Once in the office she set the briefcase, down by the chair and grabbing him kissing him as she removed his gun from his person, and slid it to the small of her back. “Hmm,” She murmured to him as she shoved him to the wall her knee came up ramming him in the balls as she slammed him hard against the wall again. Form pulled him closer to her as she turned shoving him away he topple on one of the chairs she pulled out her gun, removed the safety and fired. A cold smirk worked on her face as she watched him grab for a phone she stepped forward ripping the phone from its jack throwing it feet away from him. This part done she leaned in punching him with her free hand knocking him out. The gun placed back where it had been hidden she moved quickly as she grabbed the case and walked out of the office setting it underneath a car. Steps took her out of the building she made it back to her car and detonated the bomb. Sitting in the car, she waited and laughed as she saw the blast. It was quite the attention getter. She started the car and headed back to her hotel for the night.

[Jason Bourne]

The gun now rest in his numb fingers, his grasp tight as he looked down at her, trying to steady his breathing. His face was cold, his eyes emotionless as he held the icy metal. It felt as though it fit perfectly in his hands.. like a limb that had been reattached. He was natural with the gun between his hands. Jason's eyes focused on the woman, seeing the fear in her eyes. He stopped himself from apologizing as he realized what he had done. His body just seemed to act on its own accord.. Suddenly he was aware that he was just watching her.

“Who do you think you are? W-what do you want from me?”, she spoke to him. Jason's eyes glanced down at the gun in his hands before turning his gaze back to her. He lowered it ever so slightly. "I..", he began. What was he really here for? He need a place to stay.. yet he knew he would be found, and he could hardly keep walking through the seemingly endless blanket of snow and trees. "I need a car", Bourne spoke, his voice steady and calm, holding the slightest hint of urgency. His mind went blank for a moment as a memory appeared before him.

Awkward, unsure footsteps carried him down the empty allyway beside the US Consulate in Zurich. Jason looked over his shoulder, yet again, before turning to look at the rusted red mini. His gaze fixed upon the young woman, obviously frustrated as she searched for her car keys in the bottom of her purse. At last she found them, only to have the keys slip from her fingers. She cursed and bent down, picking them up as she stood, her eyes fixing on Jason. "What do you want?", she asked, her tone annoyed and irritated. He took a few steps towards the passenger side, his eyes reaching hers. "I need a ride", he asked the stranger simply. She looked at him questioningly. He repeated himself.

"I need a ride out of here.." The young woman shook her head, taking a step back. He raised a hand, slowly. "Please.. I'll give you ten thousand dollars to drive me to Paris." He pulled the wad of cash from his red bag, tossing the cash to her. She eyed the much needed money in her hands, her gaze slowly looking back towards him. She seemed torn between the decision to take the stranger and give him a ride, getting the cash, and looking the other way, not wanting to drive the unknown man.

Bourne snapped back from the memory, the intensity of his headache now strong with the vivid memory that seared through him. "Please", he added firmly. He knew it wouldn't be long before the police were headed this way.. and he still had questions; answers that he needed to find. His head whipped to the side as the explosion echoed through out the snowy terrain. Jason didn't know what it was, or where the explosion had come from but one thing was clear... He had to move. Now.

He turned his attention back to the woman before him. "Please. I need a car. I'll pay you...", Jason spoke, the words sounding so familiar to him. The memories of Marie threatened to come back to him.. but he pushed them aside remorsefully as his instincts kicked in, knowing he had to leave... Bourne had to run yet again.

[Jack Bauer]

14:38, Los Angeles, California. C.T.U.

Beep. Beep. Bee-eeep. Bep. Tone of the phone seemed to echo in the office, with the pestering importance demanding notice. Ring finally was subdued as it was lifted to an ear. Bill Buchanan listened intently with only a few responses. With a deep sigh the phone was replaced on to stylized cradle. There was only one person for this job. Rather, there was only one person he trusted for something with the grave and sparse details he had. Once more sleek receiver was raised in hand and a simple sentence, often uttered past his lips, was given life once more. “Get me Jack Bauer.”

---

Phone rang at his side. Instantly he knew something had happened. Perhaps he had a knack for it. Gut intuition. A hand ran down his face has he took the stairs down quickly from the platform. Blue shirt fell over the denim enveloped legs as he moved. Leather boots thumped against the ground past the open technical center. Hand moved up to motion at a uniformed officer, who was rushing towards him. “Where’s Buchanan?” Dark sandy hair looked slightly a mess having grown out some. The double electronic doors hissed open as he got closer to them.

His movements were quick as he took into the hallway, ignoring most people who tired to comment to him. Rightly so, he wasn’t in the mood. By Bill calling it was something important. Being under the gun was part of the job. Jack was used to it. It was how he worked. And he liked working alone, he wouldn’t want to have to worry about anyone else. But that wasn’t how it always worked. Doubtful that there’d be any alone time. That’s what he tried to do. Prove he was better by himself. Taking another hallway he headed up the stairs to Bills office observing the rest of the CTU floor.

It was glass enclosed, pristine, set up like any normal office would be even though it left little for privacy outside the vertical blinds. This wasn’t a normal work environment. “Hm. Well, let’s get this over with…” his graveled voice almost held an air of annoyance. “Jack I wouldn’t have called if I didn’t think this was something you were better suited for.” Bob of his Sandy hues was all that was given. Below them CTU bustled. Turning Jack took focus on the large flat screen mounted on the wall, which was set up with details, already waiting for him. Listening he took in the details explained and how the CTU was getting involved. The man they were looking for. Jason Bourne.

[Maize Hastings]

“I..” The man took a pause, as if he were thinking his plans through. “I need a car.” He stated simply. Maize was surprised that a car was all he wanted. She didn’t think that in this weather he could even get very far in a vehicle, even one made for all-terrain. There was too much snow, and surely thick ice beneath it wouldn’t allow safe travel. Maize took equal amount of time to think through. All she had was the truck back at the house and she needed that. He seemed too caught up in his own thoughts to realize she’d never said anything. An expression of denied pain crossed his face, but Maize shook her head slightly whether he noticed or not.

“Please,” he said with more force. Before she could reply back his head snapped away from her from a brief second at the violent explosion easily heard, and if out of the forest Maize was sure it could be seen no matter the distance away. A puzzled expression upon her face at an explosion in this area of the country and it furthered into fear that this man could be connected to it by his reaction. He knew what he was doing, even through his distant lost appearance she could tell. She hoped to God that her father was safe inside the house and a second bomb wouldn’t follow closer.

“Please. I need a car. I’ll pay you…” He sounded urgent. Maize’s back still hurt and the cold was seeping into her fingers and toes, and she couldn’t afford to wait any more. One brow arched high over a blue eye at a spark of interest. She could take a hint at his anxiety although he concealed it well. The gun still stole most of her concentration, looking at his fingers gripping the trigger, ready to pull back at any moment. “As in cash.. money?” Maize needed to be sure, that he wasn’t as nuts as she first figured he was. He looked like he was in pain, yet the idea wasn’t in harmless terms. Maize knew he wouldn’t stick around longer, but all her instincts told her this was a bad idea. The man had the upper hand in knowing people would do just about anything for money. “Just a car? How much?” Her usual soft voice was dry from the cold and her accent was weaker with English. She didn’t ask questions; she didn’t really want to know if she was helping a convict.

[Jason Bourne]

His gaze was fixed upon the young woman. Bourne knew she had a car. Someone living out here a few miles from the nearest town had to have some sort of transportation. Blue orbs stared down into her nervous eyes, finger hovering of the trigger, instincts ready for anything. That explosion wasn't too far from here.. was it for him? Was someone after him? Where was the explosion? What had happened? The questions were pushed from his mind as the young woman spoke. “As in cash.. money?” He slid the red bag down to his elbow, the gun still raised, not letting his guard down.

“Just a car? How much?”, she asked quietly. As the words slipped from his mouth, the face of Marie appeared before his eyes, smiling and happy. "Ten thousand dollars if you drive me.." His head throbbed with white hot pain. He could hardly drive now.. Besides, having a 'hostage' could prove to be somewhat helpful to him in the long run.. His mind was trained to survive and anything or anyone that could help him along the way, he would use. So she was coming with him. Bourne slightly lowered the gun, but his hold on the weapon was still tight and ready. Jason repeated himself, his voice stronger and slightly louder, almost a commanding tone. "I'll pay you ten thousand dollars if you drive me to Zurich."

He pulled his eyes from the woman for a moment, to his bag and then back. "Half now. Half when we get there." Showing that he wasn't going to do anything, he lowered the weapon and opened his bag, tossing a wad of cash onto the frozen earth. The area was filled with silence, a single bird flying overhead in the winter air. Bourne's gaze was focused, waiting for the woman to answer.. but either way, he would take her with him and her truck. He had to get out of there. He had to survive.. He still needed answers.

[Maize Hastings]

The motion of the red bag slipping down his arm caught Maize’s attention and kept it for minutes. "Ten thousand dollars if you drive me..” He replied. Her eyes suddenly widened with the offered amount. She tried hard to hide it, keeping a straight face and her teeth began to chatter from the cold. A shaky breath let out a cloud of air when second thoughts pulled around the corners of her mind. Did he really have the cash? Did it matter to him when he held the gun?

“I’ll pay you ten thousand dollars if you drive me to Zurich. Half now. Half when we get there.” Zurich was a fair distance from here, but the truck had a full tank because Maize hadn’t been from the farm in two to three weeks. But her mind went back to the explosion and if it was a trap or safe to even leave the forest now. What would she tell her father? She would be gone for a while and to drive home and leave him for such a long time when he was getting old. When the man moved again, this time unzipping the bag to retrieve a roll of cash and threw it to the ground in front of her. Maize followed the toss of the money and sat up slowly, still weary of the firearm that he had lowered. Her eyes flickered between him and the money before picking it up and handling it to count. She nodded to him in acceptance but wasn’t positive it was real. Fingers rubbed the paper before pocketing it in her jacket.

Maize lifted up off the ground, kicking the snow about and brushed some dark hair from her face to watch him, not able to relax yet. She stood steady before him, waiting for something to happen. It was a couple of moments of awkward silence before she broke it. “Do you know anything about the, the explosion, no?” Everything was white and she lost direction of the farm house.

[Jason Bourne]

His blue hued eyes watched as she cautiously picked up the money with shaking fingers, placing it securely into her jacket pocket. He put a hand to his side for a moment, feeling the security of his own handgun underneath the thick fabric of his sweater. His hand seemed to work on its own accord as he unloaded the shotgun, it's shells falling to the ground. His fingers released the hold on the shotgun, letting it fall to the frozen white earth before adjusting his hold on the red bag, moving it back up onto his shoulder.

The young woman pulled herself up off the snowy ground and stood before him. “Do you know anything about the, the explosion, no?” Bourne didn't waste any time.. "No", he said simply, a hand grasping her elbow as he led her towards the direction of where he had seen the house and the barn. He walked, his body and his mind alert, eyes searching his surroundings as he trudged through the snow, the young woman beside him. His grip on her elbow was firm, tight, and his walk was controlled, leading her towards the house. "Where are your keys?", he asked as he saw the outline of the truck in the almost foggy air.

Bourne shook his head, knowing he didn't have the time to wait for her to answer and go get the keys. He'd just have to hotwire the truck. "Get in", he told her, his tone commanding and in control. Jason paused for a moment, making a split second decision. He would drive. However, he would keep the young woman with him, using her as his hostage if anything came up. There had to be a reason for the explosion.. he wasn't about to sit around and discover what. Fingers grasped the icy handle of the truck as he pulled the door open, squeaking on its rusted hinges and climbed into the driver's seat. He was practically paying her to be his hostage now.. Jason shook his head, not dwelling too long on the thought and eyed the keys for a moment, poking out just enough to see them from the visor just above his head. His fingers pulled it down, letting the keys fall onto his lap.

After a moment he got the cold engine to start and began heading onto the road just off of the house. They bounced around as he drove over the loose snow and slush, finally getting onto the road and pressing his foot down on the accelerator. They began driving, Bourne's eyes looking out all the windows and mirrors as he drove, seeming almost paranoid. He had learned to be cautious of all your surroundings and who you were by. Jason began speeding down the road, slowing down only slightly as he went around a bend on the road. A silver blur appeared suddenly in his rear view mirror. He moved to the side, but the vehicle was travelling too fast and tires too old to keep its traction with the road and ice. Bourne barely had a reaction time as he turned around the curve, spinning the wheel and taking his foot off the acceleration to regain control of the truck. Braking would do nothing but make it worse. The tires spun under the momentary slide of the truck on the slush and ice, finally jerking the wheel and coming to a sudden stop in the middle of the road.

A hand flew from the steering wheel and quickly grasped the gun from beneath his coat as he sat there for a moment, staring at the Aston Martin Vanquish sitting directly before his front windshield. He watched him for a moment, ready to do anything if he saw movement that seemed.. wrong. He ignored the frightened noise from the woman sitting beside him, Bourne's eyes focused on the man before him.

[James Bond]

White tipped knuckles tightened around the steering wheel of the flawless designed vehicle as polished shoe applied downward force against gas pedal. Cobalt hued orbs seemed to gleam as they studied the road directly in front of them. Shifting for a moment they peered upon their reflection in the rearview mirror. Performance tires seemed to eat up the contorting asphalt as Aston Martin sped down the thoroughfare. The roads were slick as winter’s grasp seemed to still cling to the atmosphere and with the speeds in which he was traveling, danger could be around every misread turn. However, the Vanquish was an elite car and with such an excelled driver, such as Bond, those dangers didn’t really seem worth the apprehension.

He took the next curve just as he’d done all the rest before, with a seamless glide. Instantly his eyes noticed the beaten truck a good distance up the straight. Calculated orbs counted for a moment as they scanned the opposite lane, no oncoming cars. Easily James could pass the vehicle and with that foot buckled down against the gas. Vanquish lunged forward gaining on the truck. Just as it neared the dance of changing lanes the truck swerved. The sleek machine did the same, managing to avoid the railing just before hands doubled over one another to twist the wheel back. Foot remained far from the brake, for applying that trade tool in this situation would only result in a spin out. Once machine caught its bearings and traction slipped back into sync, foot pressed along brake.

Sapphire ringed orbs bolted to the rearview mirror. For a moment, Bond just silently watched the truck that’s engine still rumbled as it lay in wait. The chance that he indeed was being followed was limited, and since the accident was his fault he decided to make sure that those within the truck were okay. Hand went to reach for the keys but fingers hesitated. Was it better to leave the engine on, mind was made up mid thought and digits cut the power to the engine. Slipping the keys into his inner jacket pocket he moved his grip along the door handle, popping it open. Suit clad limbs took to the asphalt, pulling his tall frame from the driver’s seat. Catching his balance, Bond fixed his jacket as footfalls fell along the icy rimmed roads.

Judgment caught two shadows within the truck’s cabin. As he stepped closer window slowly rolled down and the shadows formed into distinct figures. The man in the driver’s seat seemed tense, too tense. Nevertheless, Bond kept his manner, smile playing along his lips as he looked within towards the woman who seemed completely distraught. Palm reached up falling along the rim of the window, “I’m sorry about that, are the two of you okay?” His eyes seemed to soften as he looked over to the woman once again before returning his attention back on Bourne. He wasn’t completely sure but the face seemed to hold a familiar sense to it. Even with the somewhat comforting feeling of déjà vu, something about the American man before him made the spy very uneasy.

[Jason Bourne]

Bourne watched the man as he climbed out from the gleaming, silver Aston Martin. He knew instantly that there was something not quite right.. His instincts made him cautious and wary of the man. The way he handled the vehicle as he too spun on the icy roads.. His appearance, everything about him seemed..wrong. Who wears a tux in the middle of winter in a place like Zurich? What was a man doing out here, in the middle of nowhere, driving a car such as an Aston Martin Vanquish? Jason forced himself to relax and focus, his arm hidden from the man in the tuxedo by the truck door, a gun held on his lap, blue orbs focused upon him.

He gave a small glance at the young woman beside him, her eyes fearful and distressed, before turning back to the man standing beside him at the truck door. However, as he walked towards them, he gave a friendly smile. Bourne's eyes dropped to the hand resting on the door before gazing back up at him as the man spoke, “I’m sorry about that, are the two of you okay?” Well, at least he knew the man spoke English. Bourne responded before even looking at the young woman beside him and letting her have the chance to speak, "We're fine." He couldn't help but hide the look of familiarity on his face. He paused for a moment, thinking that images would drift into his mind but there were none. There were no memories to fit the face. He couldn't place where he had seen this man before, yet he seemed so familiar. The man's face seemed to mimic Bourne's own even for just a moment. But.. perhaps it was just one of those familiar faces?

Still, he couldn't help but to feel cautious. That there may be some form of threat.

Bourne waited for the man to accept that they were ok and leave.. he didn't have time to sit around. However, he knew the man wouldn't be satisfied with the answer. "If you don't mind, we really must be going. We're supposed to be meeting a few people in town", he lied with ease, waiting for the man to turn and head back to his own vehicle.