One day One very bad day

by jediknigh5

President Bartlett prepares to officially certify an ally in the war on terror, but others are trying to stop this. In desperation CTU must soon turn to former agent Jack Bauer. But Bauer hasn't been active since his daughter Kimberly was murdered. Can he keep his emotions in check long enough to complete his mission and save thousands of innocent lives?

8. Chapter 8

9:26

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At the airport Ashley is having a bit of a panic attack.

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Dubaku: Breathe, it will be easier.

Ashley: Please, I don't want to die.

Dubaku: That's up to your president.

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Bob Warner is watching news coverage. Erica is trying to reassure everyone that every measure is being taken to save these thirty hostages. She is carefully avoiding saying that they're negotiating with the terrorists, but is saying that the treaty signing is being postponed. At the White House president Bartlett was discussing the situation with vice-president Hellar.

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Hellar: This incident further emphasizes the need for the treaty.

Bartlett: I agree, but how can we abandon this girl to death?

Hellar: Tony Almeida won't be ready for a rescue mission for at least 30 minutes.

Bartlett: I understand our inside man, Jack Bauer, is working on something more immediate.

Hellar: Yes he is, and as much as we all hope it succeeds, we should prepare ourselves for the possibility that some of these hostages will die.

Bartlett: As I see it I have three options. If I denounce the treaty they may let the hostages win. I could simply sign it later, but even this could encourage future attacks. If I sign the treaty, they'll murder the hostages. Or, authorize the rescue mission, in which case we'll save some hostages, and others will be killed. And this girl will definitely die, unless Jack Bauer can do something.

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At the airport Dubaku is watching the news. In less than a minute the deadline will come, and thus far no indication that the treaty won't be signed. It has been postponed, but Dubaku believes that Bartlett is merely stalling for time. He will only give in when he sees for himself that these people will die. He tells Ashley "Your president has abandoned you" and prepares to kill her. Before he can pull the trigger there is a loud explosion. One of his men's explosive vests has gone off, killing him. Dubaku tells his remaining men to search the area for intruders. It is possible that his vest malfunctioned, but the timing seemed too coincidental. If one of these Americans killed his comrade, they would pay.

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9:37