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?

71. Chapter 71

The following takes place between 10pm and 11pm. Event occur in real time.

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10:00

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President Bartlett has been given an ultimatum. To turn himself over to these terrorists, or let them murder Zoey. They have given Bartlett a phone number to call them. CTU immediately begins trying to track the number, but Bartlett fears it will be futile. The question is whether he will put his country first, or his child. At Ishmael's safehouse Zoey is brought to her cell. Ishmael gives her some donuts and orange juice.

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Ishmael: Eat up. It doesn't benefit either of us for you to starve to death.

Zoey: Why are you doing this? I never did anything to you.

Ishmael: Not personally no. But America is institutionalized evil. You appear at public events, become the face of your father's presidency. You help sell his evil to the world.

Zoey: If you kill my father, Hellar will just take his place. If you kill me, what do you think my father will do?

Ishmael: This war will not be over quickly. But if it takes 100 years, we fight for 100 years. If it takes 1000 years, we fight for 1000 years. As long as your government persecutes my people one of you will ever be safe.

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Curtis Manning arrives at the mosque. He shows the imam a copy of the search warrant while his men begin searching. Curtis sees a young woman here, who looks a it like Zoey Bartlett. She says she attends the mosque and is helping her imam prepare the daycare center for tomorrow's services. He wouldn't say they were twins, but there was a certain resemblance. Curtis could understand how the caller could make this mistake, especially in the dark from 50 ft away. Meanwhile Jack Bauer meets Audrey Raines in private. This isn't the first time they met in private, but it is the first time with Teri's knowledge and consent.

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Jack: Unless I misunderstood, you want me to kill someone, covertly.

Audrey: Yes, someone who has been involved in today's events.

Jack: So why can't we arrest him officially?

Audrey: Because he's a cabinet member of a "friendly" government. It's qumari defense minister Abdul Shariff.

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10:08