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?

59. Chapter 59

7:37

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At the White House president Bartlett nervously waits for news from the assault on the plant. There was no guarantee that this was the spot from which Juma was launching his attack. Even if it was, there was no guarantee that CTU could stop him. Bartlett had delegated the negotiations with Deby and Bashir to secretary Vinnick. Bartlett spoke to Hellar about Qumar.

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Hellar: If it turns out Shariff knew about this attack, we'll have no choice but to invade Qumar.

Bartlett: Which will lead to the death of thousands of American soldiers, potentially hundreds of thousands of Qumari civilians.

Hellar: A neccessary evil sir.

Bartlett: I've been thinking, with Shariff actually in D.C., perhaps we should arrest him,

Hellar: I agree. If we have to be at war, we might as well neutralize one of their cainet members. But ofcourse Qumar will never let us prosecute him, not without a fight. So, if your plan is to arrest Shariff as a substitute for war, that would be impossible.

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At the plant, pressure has dropped below 60%. The foreman is nervous, fearing CTU didn't understand his distress signal. He's delayed this as long as he can, but it won't be much longer. Than this terrorist will have no reason to let them live.

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Foreman: Why are you doing this?

Juma: You should ask your president. He chose to ally with those who enslave my people, who murder our civilians. My associates made it very clear what would happen if he signed that treaty, he signed anyway.

Foreman: So my people, we have to die because two guys in suits sign some piece of paper.

Juma: People die every day, its a scary world. When I die, which will likely be soon, I will know exactly why I'm dying, for my people. You might not think much of the Askari people, but I will die for them. That's more than most people have. Continue cooperating with me, and I will let you and your friends go back to your meaningless lives.

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This foreman knew that Juma was wrong. Every employee here knew that he was delaying, and they said nothing. If they died, they would also be dying for their people.

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7:45