COMPLETE - A Complexity of Blue (Prequel)

[§hannon]

Okay, so, I believe I'm the first to write/post a Jackson Rippner fanfic. I started it last night. What I'm planning on doing is, the synopsis to the story is interlinked with the actual movie. I'm going to post at least one chapter every day until this Thursday (the day before Red Eye comes out) and I'll end the story, somehow involving Lisa Reisert. I won't tell you how.

(I deleted the synopsis cause I felt it was ruining the story.)

I'll post the first bit from Chapter One:

Chapter One:
Jackson Rippner had always been a complexity to the mind's eye. Deep within the crystal blue of his eyes, was his cut and dry personality that nobody could fathom. Everyone that knew him (or at least thought they knew him) were intimidated by his military-like stature and anyone that didn't know him, all they had to do was think of the name Jackson Rippner, and well, they got the picture, no visual required.

I'll have the rest of Chapter One later on today.
Post feedback for me, please. Thanks.

[§hannon]

1st Chapter. I'm excited! Hahah.
Feedback would be extremely helpful.

Chapter One

Jackson Rippner had always been a complexity to the mind’s eye. Deep within the crystal blue of his eyes, was his cut and dry personality that nobody could fathom. Everyone that knew him (or at least thought they knew him) were intimidated by his military-like stature and anyone that didn’t know him, all they had to do was think of the name Jackson Rippner, and well, they got the picture, no visual required. But for Jackson, the outside world meant nothing. He hated a majority of society ever since he learned what it was to hate and be hated. After all, those who refer to you as ‘Jack the Ripper’, can’t be someone worth associating with, right?

Jack the Ripper. Jack the Ripper.

He’d been tormented a majority of his 34 years of life with that horrid nickname and he had nobody but his parents to thank. He always wondered what they were thinking, naming their only son after something so negatively symbolic. But, that was one of the many questions of his life that he never would know the answer to. His parents are now dead. And Jackson, left in a torrent of grief. Grief, not from their death itself but, because he didn’t get that simple answer to that haunting question before he killed them.

Why, Jack? Why?

He quickly learned the hard way that people would always come and go from his life. But, even so, there was always one person that stuck by him. Bryan Greenley. Bryan was Jackson’s childhood friend, his only friend. After the word got around that Bryan Greenley was hanging out with Jack the Ripper, it was pretty much a done deal that Bryan’s social status, that was currently at a B average, had dropped to a Z average. From there on, they became one-hundred percent dependent on one another and lucky for Jackson, he didn’t have to fight for Bryan’s companionship. Everything finally seemed right in the world to Jackson Rippner. He may not have had friends, be he did have a friend that he could look to whenever he needed something. Perfect as it may seem, this two-celled friendship lasted for a good 3 years until the wave of high school and hormones hit, that is. They both soon came to realize that their minds didn’t operate with the ‘Ew, girls have cooties!’ logic anymore and to their disadvantage, they found themselves falling for the same girl. A girl named Sasha Watts. Sasha was the intellectual type, very smart at that. Bryan and Jackson both were immediately attracted to that trait about her, as she was always beating them to answers in class. They would both secretly send her admiring stares whenever they could and when they finally revealed to each other about their ‘secret crush’, all hell broke lose. It turned into a never-ending battle of ‘I’m going to get Sasha!’ and a returned ‘No, you’re not! I am!’ followed by immense cursing. Over a year’s time, Bryan eventually got the girl. Jackson’s bad luck had returned to him once again.

34 years old. 19 years later, Bryan and Sasha are happily married. They have one daughter, Emma, 4 years old, and another daughter on the way. Bryan works as head security for the White House and Sasha is a school teacher in West Virginia. That’s pretty far compared to Jackson’s life nowadays. Jackson’s single with no kids. His profession? High-profile assassinations. The only thing Bryan and Jackson now had in common is that both of their professions were ‘hush hush’. Bryan and Jackson barely spoke anymore. But, if Bryan had the slightest clue as to how much Jackson currently knew about him, he’d certainly be scared for his life. Bryan didn’t even know what Jackson did for a living. He would ask on an occasion with the, “So, what are you doing with yourself these days?” but, Jackson would simply reply with “Just rotting my life away. You know, the usual,”. Jackson was still sour towards Bryan. His anger and envy towards him had certainly grown over the past couple years when Jackson would start to compare their lives. He’s got the girl. He’s got the beautiful daughter. He’s got the oversized house and cars. He’s got one of the most high-paying jobs in the world. What doesn’t Bryan Greenley have? This question made Jackson’s blood boil; until he started thinking things.

Charles Keefe. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.

It was a job Jackson had been assigned just 46 hours ago; assassinate Charles Keefe. He had no idea why he was assigned to kill this man. But, it was part of his nature to get a job done and don’t ask any questions. Just like every other time, that’s exactly what he intended to do now. He procrastinated a bit, not even knowing where to begin with the assassination attempt. But, to Jackson, he may have just found his opportunity. How? A pawn. White House Head Security, Bryan Greenley.

Feedback.

[Shelly]

oh my! i like it alot. very good. can't wait to see how your going to tie it in with lisa.

[azina]

Oh, you've whetted our appetite. I like how you're giving us a little background that we otherwise wouldn't have on Jackson from the movie. Jackson's resentment is especially poignant and you could see it - stemming from his hated name to his best friend getting his dream life with the dream girl. You will give us more, won't you? Good job ... but want more!

[§hannon]

Thanks to you both.

[§hannon]

Any more feedback, I would greatly appreciate.

[jill]

Wow, shows what's really in a name, huh? Interesting take, having him ACTUALLY kill his parents...morbid. o.o

I really like the background with his best friend, kind of sad though. I look forward to seeing how he puts together the whole assasination, he must be REALLY smart! Hope to read more soon!

[§hannon]

You will be. Tomorrow.
I'm posting one or more chapters each day.

[aurora10]

More more more! 'Tis very good.

[§hannon]

Thanks.

[Gobby]

very nice on the back story ...ishe's 34 in the movie?...hmmm...didnt know...kool..

[§hannon]

I made up the age.
I wanted to be him somewhat... mature.

Plus, it kinda set the mood because Bryan is into adulthood and married with a family. If I did the ages any younger, I'd feel I was borderline pushing it. Hahah.

[§hannon]

I'm gonna post the new chapter in a few minutes. Keep checking here.

[§hannon]

2nd Chapterrr. Dun dada dun! Hahah. Enjoy.
Feedback would be helpful, as always.

Chapter Two

Jackson's mind was on a rampage, like a fire fueled by thoughts to his newly-born plan. His eyes darted the ceiling of his 1-bedroom apartment, as a huge smirk took over his face. For the time being, he felt like a genius, yet at the same time, an idiot, for not seeing things sooner.

Bryan Greenley.

"Why didn't I think of this before?" he thought to himself, amazed at the idea.

Being sure not to lose his train of thought, he logged onto his laptop and began fumbling around through programs. He opened up his digital address book and scanned through the huge collection of names, numbers, and addresses until he reached G. Gaye. No. Gettison. No. Gordon. No. Greenley. Bingo. He dragged his finger across the computer screen until it touched the digits to Bryan's phone number. Normally, he would have remembered those 10 digits. But, at a current standpoint, Jackson and Bryan hadn't talked for close to a year and after all that's been going on in his mind, to him, Bryan's phone number was just useless information cluttering his head. He picked up his phone and began dialing the numbers. 1. 4. 1. 0. 5. 5. He stopped. Just as fast as he picked up the phone, he quickly hung it up. His heart pounded wildly in his chest.

What were you THINKING, Rippner?

He couldn't simply call Bryan and say, "Hey, I'm dragging you into an assassination attempt. Comply with me or you and your family are left with death as your only option." Yeah, that would fly. Jackson had to think way more in depth than he first presumed. He needed to have assistance, back up plans, everything and he couldn't let his mind get ahead of him again. There was no time for slip ups, especially when you're working with a man that's head security for the White House.

Jackson spent all night concocting plan, after plan, after plan. Just when he thought his plan couldn't be perfected anymore, he'd tweak another detail and turn it from a perfect plan to a foolproof plan. Just as he finished the very last detail, beams of sunlight began to silently peek in through his windows. Normally, Jackson was always fascinated by Texan sunrises but, not this morning. He had way too much on his mind, even with 0 hours of sleep. So instead of watching the sun rise, he walked to the bathroom and decided it was time to get ready. He had a long day and week ahead of him.

His sore feet touched the cold, tile floor of the bathroom, as he stared at his reflection in the mirror. Jackson was a handsome man with dark, auburn hair and piercing blue eyes that could drill a hole into anyone's soul. He'd recently lost a bit of his luster, as he had noticeable stubble growing around his strongly accented cheekbones and he was beginning to show his sleeplessness with the faintly visible bags under his sunken-in eyes. He turned the faucet on and began splashing ice cold water on his face. He was hoping it would wake him up just the slightest bit, but, no such luck. He combed his hair to the side with a right-center part. He'd always had his hair the same way since he was a little boy, back when his mom decided his hairstyle. He didn't bother changing it because it wasn't like he was trying to impress anybody. But, today, he didn't want to think back to his mom. Today, just wasn't the time. So, he very slowly, picked up the comb off the countertop and combed his hair in the opposite direction. He looked at himself for a moment.

That'll do.

He set the comb back down just where he always kept it. Jackson picked up his tube of toothpaste and his worn out toothbrush. He began brushing his teeth when he was interrupted by a vibration in his pocket. Cell phone. Everybody owned a cell phone nowadays. But, Jackson rarely got phone calls, considering he didn't associate with many people and of those he associated with, only a select few knew his cell phone number. He was startled by the sudden disturbance in his pocket, as he took a spit into the sink. Who would call so early?

Bzzzz. Bzzzz. Pause. Bzzzz Bzzzz. Pause.

He reached his hand into his pocket to pull it out. The phone felt like a trapped bee in his hand. He analyzed the number and his eyes drastically widened. He coughed and flipped open the phone to answer it.

"Hello?"

"Jackson. I was requested to call you in reference to case 29847," the deep, mysterious voice said.

Case 29847… Keefe.

"The plan is in progress, sir. I'm intending on using Bryan Greenley, White House head security, in the case. I can use him to get information as to where Keefe will be staying. I'm flying out today to stay with Greenley. I'm afraid I'll need some assistance though."

"You're using your friend to your advantage? I like how you think, Jackson. What kind of assistance?"

"Well, it's a matter of leverage to get Greenley out of the house, once I arrive there, sir. I need someone to tap into the phone line between Greenley and the White House. Someone must call exactly at the time given and pretend there is an emergency at the White House that Bryan must immediately attend to. I stay at his house and plant microscopic tracking devices all throughout the house, making sure nobody leaves. A few men on standby outside the house would be very beneficial."

"How exactly is this going to get case 29847 out of the picture?"

"I have it all figured out, sir. Don't worry about me," Jackson replied, very professionally.

"Very well, Jackson. I'm trusting you. I'll have my other men behind this plan. But, if in the end this plan of yours doesn't work and it isn't 29847's life, it will be your own. Consider that."

Click.

Jackson stood there for a moment with the phone up to his ear.

If it isn't 29847's life, it will be your own.

In stunned silence, he slowly took the phone away from his ear and closed it. If ice cold water on your face won't wake you up, that statement in itself certainly would. For the third time, he stared at his reflection in the mirror for a couple moments before gathering the energy to leave.

Okay, Jackson. Let's go.

He grabbed his computer bag and stuffed his microscopic tracking devices into his pocket. He began destroying his plans and stuffing those in his bag along with an invisible ink highlighter.

"Thank God for invisible ink, making my plans invisible," he thought.

He walked towards the door and turned around. He took one look around to do a mental recap to make sure he wasn't leaving without anything important. He opened the door, locked it, and closed it shut behind him. Jackson walked to his car and threw his computer bag in the backseat and turned on the ignition. He took one last look at his apartment and drove down the highway to Dallas International Airport.

Somewhere in Maryland, an unsuspecting Bryan Greenley was just waking up, not knowing that he would soon be in for the ride of his life. Hopefully, Mr. Greenley likes surprise visitors because he was getting one today, whether he liked it or not.

[azina]

Ohh, very intriguing. Makes you wonder what Jackson has planned. Poor Bryan, he'll just be expecting a nice visit from an old friend. Ah, Jackson, you bad boy determined to get the job done no matter what. Definitely a cool pre-Red-Eye fic. More on the way I hope?