A/N: Ok so here's the chapter you've been waiting for, the debriefing. Thanks to everyone who reviews. Enjoy!
Chapter 6
After driving through the bustling city of Los Angeles for twenty minutes, Jack Bauer pulled up in front CTU and parked his car. He got out and walked through the front entrance where he was greeted by a security guard.
"Good morning, sir," the guard addressed him, "can I help you?"
"Yeah, my name's Jack Bauer. I have a 9 o'clock meeting with Bill Buchanan," he replied, pulling out his ID card to show the man.
The security guard swiped Jack's card, typed something into his computer and then looked back up at Jack.
"Go ahead in, Agent Bauer."
"Thank you," he said as he proceeded down the hallway and emerged into the main room of CTU. As he looked around the room, and once again took in the feeling of being back in the building, he noticed Bill Buchanan walking down the stairs from his office on the second floor. Bill saw Jack and walked over to meet him, smiling warmly.
"Jack, it's good to see you again. I just wish it was under better circumstances," he said.
"You and me both, Bill," Jack replied, as he shook the CTU director's hand.
"Well, I guess we better get started. The President will be on for a video conference in five minutes," said Bill as he headed for the situation room with Jack silently following.
When they reached the situation room, Bill went over the phone sitting on the table and pushed a few buttons, as Jack took a seat. After talking with, what Jack assumed were some of the President's aides, Bill took a seat next to Jack and the President's image came on the video monitor directly across from the two men.
"Good morning, Bill, Jack," greeted President Gardner.
"Mr. President," both men replied in turn.
"I understand that we all know why we're here, but I'd like to state it for the record: the purpose of this meeting is to determine the course of action that will be taken, regarding the Chinese demand for Jack to be turned over because of the attack on the their LA embassy 18 months ago," the President began.
"First off, I'd like to inform you both of the intel we have regarding the situation. Obviously, 18 months ago, the Chinese found out that Jack was indirectly responsible for the death of their consulate and wanted him turned over to them. With Jack faking his death that no longer became possible. However, with his return, the Chinese now know that he is alive and still want him to answer for his actions. We're still unsure of exactly how the Chinese found out he was alive. We are looking into it, but for the time being we're working under the assumption that Charles Logan may have tipped them off," explained the President.
At the President's last statement, Jack wasn't at all surprised. Once he had learned that Logan was involved, Jack knew the former President had to have a plan to take him out of the equation and eliminate him as a threat. Jack listened intently as the President continued, knowing he would need every bit of information, should he need to defend his position.
"Obviously, I don't want to turn one of our own agents over to a foreign government, much less a Communistic one. However, should I chose to ignore the Chinese demand, there would be major political fallout and hostility between our two nations, which is something that this country definitely doesn't need right now."
After the President's explanation, Bill spoke up. "Mr. President," he began, "I understand the Chinese reasoning for wanting revenge at what happened, but surely Jack's actionsconcerning the terrorist attacksare more than enough to redeem him."
"I'm sorry Bill, but the Chinese just don't see it that way. All they care about is getting justice for the attack," replied the President.
"With all due respect, Mr. President, the Chinese don't want justice, they want revenge," Bill retorted.
At this, Gardner addressed Jack, who had remained silent since the meeting began. "What about you, Jack? I know you must have something to say about all this."
Jack sat there, contemplating his response, before speaking. "Mr. President," Jack began, "I obviously don't want to be turned over to the Chinese, but I also understand your position on this matter, especially as a newly inaugurated President, and I won't blame you for whatever decision you make, but it is your decision, sir. I just hope there's another option."
"Well, Jack, I have thought this over, and there are a few options I've considered. One, I turn you over to the Chinese, giving them what they want, but not only losing a great man and a great agent who has already given up so much for this country, but destroying that man's life," Garden explained.
"Choice two," he continued, "I allow you to disappear again and inform the Chinese that you were killed, though I doubt they would buy that a second time. However, without any evidence to the contrary, they'd have no choice but to believe me, or risk starting an international incident. You would then be free to live your life as you have for the past 18 months, though in my opinion, and I'm sure you'd agree with me, that having to live like that is not really life"
As Jack locked his gaze with the President's he replied, "Yes, sir, to be honest with you, I would rather be dead, than have to live like I did. Always on the run, not being able to be with the people I love. I couldn't live like that again, sir."
As President Gardner listened to Jack speak, he couldn't help but feel sorry for situation that this man was in, all because he had done what was necessary to save his country. After Jack had finished, he sat there waiting for the President to inform in of his decision. What Gardner said next was something Jack had never expected.
"I understand that, Jack, but there is a third option, one I think will work and will satisfy everyone."
At this, Jack looked up from staring at the table, with a questioning look on his face. He sat in silence as he waited for the President to continue.
"The third option, Jack, is that I turn over the man who is actually responsible for what happened……Charles Logan."
At this, both Jack and Bill's faces had turned from those of confusion into complete shock.
"Logan?" Jack asked, still shocked that the President would even consider that.
"Yes, Jack, just let me explain. Now, correct me if I'm wrong but it's my understanding that you were acting on orders from former President David Palmer. Is that correct?" the President inquired.
"Yes, sir," Jack answered simply.
"And is it also true that Logan gave David Palmer the authority to issue such orders and make decisions on his behalf?" he asked.
"Yes, it is," Jack once again replied.
"Then Charles Logan was responsible for issuing those orders, and as a dedicated agent it was your duty to follow those orders, which you did. However, as I see it, Logan is ultimately responsible, Jack, not you. I also think that I will have no problem convincing the Chinese to let Logan take the fall for what happened. Having a former United States President is much more valuable than holding an agent," Gardener explained.
After the President finished Bill said, "But sir, how will the American people react to the government handing over a former President to a foreign nation, who is, as far as they know, innocent?"
"Logan has resigned and as long as we're able to feed the media plausible information as to his whereabouts, there will be no problem. To be honest, I'm notthrilled about this option, I wish there was a better one, but there's not. However, I also don't think it's fair to destroy a man's life who has shown nothing but heroism and dedication for his country; not when the other man is responsible for taking American lives and helping terrorists."
"And what about me, sir?" Jack asked hesitantly
"You'll be free to live your life, Jack. Without constantly looking over your shoulder and being apart from the people you care about," the President responded.
Jack couldn't believe what he was hearing. Gardner was going to turn Logan over to the Chinese instead of him and he got to live his life with Audrey. He couldn't be happier and couldn't hide the smile that appeared on his face.
"I don't know what say, sir. I am eternally grateful for this. Thank you so much," he said.
"You deserve it Jack, and unless either of you have anything to add" replied Gardner, looking at Bill, then Jack, seeing them both shaking there heads, "then this meeting is finished."
"Thank you Mr. President," replied Bill, as the video monitor went black.
Bill looked to his left to see Jack staring down at the table with a big smile on his face. He stood up and walked over, placing a hand on his shoulder. At this, Jack looked up.
"Thanks for all your help, Bill," Jack said.
"It was no problem, Jack, you deserved it." Bill replied, smiling.
Jack made his way out of the situation room, heading for the exit, with Bill in tow. Before Jack could leave, Bill stopped him.
"Jack," he began, as Jack turned around to face him, "I don't know what your plans are, but if you like, there's always a position here for you."
"Thanks, Bill. I'll need some time to think about it and figure out what I'm doing, but thank you for the offer. I may just hold you to it," he replied with a small smile.
"Well, I guess I'll talk to you later then," said Bill, extending his hand.
Jack grasped Bill's hand and shook it firmly, replying, "Yeah, and thanks for all you help."
Jack released Bill's hand and headed for the exit. He signed out of the building and got in his car. He couldn't wait to get back to the hotel to see Audrey and tell her that they had the rest of their lives to spend together.