Two days later, Owen lay in bed in his Washington home, Monica asleep beside him.
He glanced at the clock—almost time. He got up quietly and headed to the bathroom to wash up. As he was getting dressed, Monica woke up.
"Babe, are you leaving?"
"Yes, you know I have to. I've got that damn hearing at Congress today…"
"Hope they don't eat you alive. Come back early—we have that lunch date at the new Italian restaurant, remember?"
"Of course. I'll be back right after dealing with them."
He kissed Monica, put on his suit, and headed out the door. As he settled into his car, the thought of what was about to happen made him uneasy.
Congress was supposed to serve as a check on the executive branch. Ever since David Palmer became president, Congress had been actively pushing back against his decisions—especially his reliance on CTU.
They were within their rights. Every major CTU operation ended with a congressional debrief. Previously, Jack Bauer had handled these sessions, but lately, he'd been dumping the unpleasant task onto Owen.
After returning from the mission yesterday, Owen had already briefed President Palmer and Jack in person. He detailed every aspect of the operation, including the part where he helped the IMF team rescue Benji—though officially, he framed it as a side effect of pursuing Makarov.
Palmer made it clear he didn't think much of the IMF team. Given how badly things had gone—nearly sparking a U.S.-Russia conflict—and with the CIA leak scandal still fresh, there was little chance the IMF unit would be reactivated unless there was a new president.
Jack, for his part, had no complaints. Owen consistently reported to him before missions, which was the exact opposite of the IMF's reckless independence. Leaders appreciated dependable subordinates.
As for the blowback from this latest operation—that was the CIA's problem to clean up. They'd take the heat.
At the Capitol entrance, Owen was stopped by security. "Sir, your ID, please."
Owen obediently parked, shifted to neutral, and handed over his credentials. Guards scanned his ID while others checked his car with explosive detectors. One opened the trunk, another walked a bomb-sniffing dog around the vehicle.
Everything checked out.
"You're clear. Park in the East Lot," one guard said.
Owen nodded, drove to the assigned area, and parked.
This wasn't his first time here. Congress had been breathing down CTU's neck lately. Almost every operation now ended with a hearing. Regular field agents didn't attend—this was strictly for people like Owen and Jack.
At the building's entrance, Owen dutifully removed his sidearm, ejected the magazine, and chambered the last round. He did it all in front of the guards. A metal detector sweep followed, and then he was allowed in. His weapon would be returned when he left.
When Owen walked into the hearing, it was already underway. In the past, these sessions had focused on him alone. This time, because both the Rapid Response Team and IMF were involved, the hearing included both groups. Owen and Ethan were now in the same boat.
He slipped in quietly. The room was small—only six senators and Ethan Hunt were present.
"Agent Owen, you're late," the senator currently grilling Ethan said, visibly annoyed.
"Apologies, the Capitol's security is just too thorough. You know, they had to search me five different ways…"
Owen gave a breezy excuse. He recognized this troublemaker—Senator Billy from Utah.
The hearing continued.
"Agent Hunt, as I understand it, the IMF team has always been something of a rogue element. Years ago, you even stole a CIA agent list for your own purposes. This time, you personally handed nuclear material to terrorists."
"That was decommissioned material, heavily protected and incapable of detonation," Ethan interjected.
The senator wouldn't let up. "Yes, but it came from a Russian nuclear weapon. Do you admit that?"
Ethan shrugged and replied coolly, "I'm sorry. I can neither confirm nor deny any details of this operation without proper declassification."
"And the GRU attacks on your team—do you confirm those happened?"
"I'm sorry. I can neither confirm nor deny any details of this operation without proper declassification."
Ethan's calm indifference clearly frustrated the senator. "Furthermore, a day later, you destroyed a historic Venetian building, engaged in a public gunfight, and even had the audacity to steal an Italian military seaplane."
Ethan looked at the senator, then around the room. "I'm sorry. I can neither confirm nor deny any details of this operation without—"
"—without proper declassification, yes, I've heard enough!" Senator Billy snapped. "You think this kind of deflection means we don't know what happened?"
Owen rolled his eyes. A "historic building" in Venice? Give him a break. In Venice, almost every building was a few hundred years old. That was just nitpicking. Billy was a notorious pain in the ass.
Still, Ethan's handling of the situation was deeply satisfying. He clearly knew IMF's days were numbered and couldn't care less about explaining himself. He was just enjoying pushing back.
Most IMF operations were highly classified, with clearance levels accessible only to the President or CIA Director—not even the Vice President might be cleared, let alone senators who rotated every six years.
These senators were irritating. Owen had been treated the same way in past hearings. To him, they were just grandstanding politicians—good at talking, useless in a crisis. But unfortunately, they held real power.
"Agent Owen…" Billy finally turned his focus to Owen. "Regarding what I just said—the IMF team stealing Russian nuclear material and their actions in Italy—do you confirm any of it?"
Owen wasn't about to play ball. He'd dealt with Billy before, known in political circles as "Mad Dog Billy" for his relentless pursuit of political prey. He had a long history of making Owen's life difficult.
"I'm sorry, Senator. Due to the classified nature of the operation, I can neither confirm nor deny any details unless you obtain the necessary clearance."
Billy's face darkened. Ethan couldn't help but smirk. The other five senators nearly burst out laughing.
(End of Chapter)
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