He closed his eyes and hoped that CTU would have the sense to check the barn again, and find the bunker while they were at it. If they had the satellite coverage they would be found in no time... He realised there was nothing he could do right now, he had to let the specialists do there job and hope they didn't make as big a mess as they had last time he was involved with them. 'Don't think about that,' his mind quickly warned him - and he took the advice - allowing his mind to shut down and become void of any thought. He much preferred this state to the tornado of emotions which rushed through him whenever he thought about that day.
His eyes automatically snapped open as he herd movement, the door was opened, which was followed by the sound of footsteps. He tried to turn his head around and see the intruder but his chair was positioned so he couldn't see that far. He didn't have to wait long as Mandras sauntered into view quickly, his imposing figure gazing down upon Jack.
Jack looked up at him and could see something in his eyes, he looked unsettled. His fists hung loosely at his sides as they had before but his fingers were wavering ever so slightly, he wasn't as tense as he usually was. Jack decided to go with the feeling he had and try spook the guy some more. If it looked like he was willing to help the man, who knows, this could be very helpful and ultimately save his life; not that it was in need of saving, he just couldn't entertain the idea of being killed by Nina's associates. It would be degrading and would elevate the power of the myth that was Nina Myers.
"There coming aren't they?"
Mandras had been watching him but still jumped back when Jack spoke. He was on edge, Jack noticed.
"What?" He demanded roughly, hoping to take control of the situation, knowing that he had let his guard down the second he flinched.
"The federal agents, they're on there way again, aren't they?"
"Again?" Mandras mocked, knowing Jack didn't know of the previous visit from the two men in black.
"Yes. I assume some flunkies came by to check the area out earlier. Maybe you spoke to them yourself, assured them your hadn't seen any abnormal activity in the area, and then wished them luck with what they were looking for... am I close?" He grinned cheekily, Mandras' facial expression betrayed his thoughts - he was right - exactly right.
"How do you know this?" Jack realised he now had the chance to play along, gain there trust, maybe they wouldn't view him as a threat, or would at least give him some slack for co-operating with them.
"Its obvious. Search and rescue teams see the remains of the plane, they figure it was shot down so they call CTU. CTU send some people to investigate the hunch - they're probably the same people who spoke to you or one of your men. They notice that two key people from the flight are missing; and call in the specialists. I'm betting they sent the top dogs this time, the FBI, CIA, DOD, CTU. The cream of the crop, all heading right for you."
Mandras was taking it all in at face value, his face had turned white and the tremble in his hands was getting stronger.
"And I'm just supposed to believe you? Believe that... that all those people are looking for us?"
"Yes, I know the procedures. Well, actually you may be wrong, they wont be looking for you, they'll know exactly where you are. They have the most sophisticated technology, they could find a needle in a haystack in a matter of minutes, and I doubt we are that well hidden."
"Your bluffing." Mandras spoke strongly but his hands were still shaking, he was the person trying to bluff.
"Am I?"
It seemed that thus was enough for Mandras, he turned and left the room, slamming the door behind him. Once Jack could no longer hear the footsteps he let out a low chuckle, getting no satisfaction from it. He could only hope his words were true, and CTU was coming to get him right now.