Promo with electric blue Kiefer and electric blue Spawn. 24. Previouslys. Soul Patch and Kiefer, via videotape, brief the president about V-I-R-U-S II: Electric Flu-aloo, and how everything up until that point was a big lie designed to get Kiefer in good graces with the Salazars and intercept an even deadlier V-I-R-U-S. Meanwhile, Salazar brothers Hector and Felipe Hartmano struggle with the notion of trusting Kiefer ever again after all he did to the Salazars. Turns out they don't even know half of what he did. Clowdy-Ah, for instance. She's pissed off because he betrayed her too. He was supposed to take her away back when he was undercover…but he didn't. Special Agent Charlie Brown has blown off CTU to rescue Kiefer, and is only making things worse for Kiefer undercover. And Kiefer's spywatch with built-in homing device got broken, so CTU has no idea how the mission is going. Or where to send the assault teams. The following takes place between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
So first we open on this dinky little glass room. It looks like the room at the DMV where you had to take the written exam for your learner's permit. It's filled with suit-wearing extras with press passes dangling around their necks. Some guy who looks like he belongs to some wing of the military takes the podium. He introduces Palmer and informs the press that Palmer will be making a statement but not answering any questions afterwards. Palmer steps up and explains that he had to stop the debate earlier because he had to go handle a "national security threat." He stops short of giving any details of this national emergency, but promises that more will be explained in a "few hours." "Let me assure you," he concludes, "that the danger that existed a few hours ago has now passed. America is safe. The American people are safe." He apologizes to Senator Keeler and the debate spectators for the cancelled debate, and promises to reschedule it. After he says "good night," the reporters start yelling questions at him despite their being told he wasn't answering questions. He ignores the crowd and walks out of the room, but one voice rises above the crowd: the voice of a female reporter. Another girlfriend of Joel Surnow? "There's a rumor that this crisis was manufactured by your administration to protect your friend Dr. Anne Packard," says the redheaded reporter. "How do you respond to that?" Palmer doubles back and tells the reporter that those allegations are false, and he has proof that "comes directly from Anne Packard's ex-husband." Of course, he neglects to mention that Anne Packard's ex-husband is now Anne Packard's late ex-husband. Is that news yet? "Anne Packard is an individual with the utmost integrity," says Palmer, as Brother Palmer scowls guiltily in the corner. "She didn't deserve this."
Back at CTU, Soul Patch is on the phone. And he's doing something that annoys me. 24 doesn't do this very often, but other TV dramas do this, and it bugs. I am referring to the fact that Soul Patch is on the phone with someone whose identity we don't know, expositing the latest plot twist for the benefit of viewers who might not have been watching last week…or need reminding. I'm totally on board with the fact that sometimes shows need to hold viewers' hands to guide them along a difficult plotline -- and in this case it's perfectly understandable, since we've been on break since mid-December -- but I wish we knew who Soul Patch was talking to. This is supposed to be a top-secret plan, and it seriously sounds like he's breaking Kiefer's cover to the head of IT or something. So as Soul Patch explains to the mystery caller that they've lost touch with Kiefer's "responder," Bitchelle watches him with concern. Soul Patch tries to get Gael to amplify the Whatever Technology so they can read Kiefer's weakened signal, but Gael points out that they're getting no signal, as opposed to a weakened signal. "What do we think happened here?" asks Soul Patch. "There's a strong possibility that Kiefer's cover might have been blown," says Bitchelle. Soul Patch argues that there's no indication that Kiefer's been found out. "Maybe he's in a place where he can't get a signal, or the transponder's been broken," suggests Soul Patch. "Partial damage might have knocked it to another frequency," says Crystal Gael. Soul Patch orders Bitchelle to do a Whatever Scan. Bitchelle is already running one, and she's getting nothing. Soul Patch walks over to Spawn's desk and tells her to run a Whatever Scan as well. "What's the signature?" asks Spawn, referring to a Whatever Technology code she'll need to run the scan. "I already told you," says Soul Patch. "Thirty over five!" "You didn't tell me," says Spawn. Soul Patch accuses her of being frazzled due to her father's predicament, and orders her to "focus." Spawn does that thing that everyone does who has ever had a difficult boss: she sucks it up. But Bitchelle is watching.
Whatever, Mexico. A caravan of utility vehicles containing the Salazar crew comes to a stop in the middle of a deserted road, in front of what looks like a suburban split-level ranch house. Everyone gets out of their vans. Even Special Agent Charlie Brown is pulled out of the van for no reason…well, other than to scowl homoerotically at Kiefer. "Why are we stopping?" asks an anxious Hector. Felipe Hartmano explains that it doesn't look like they are being followed. Apparently they are cruising around, anticipating that Special Agent Charlie Brown's presence is a harbinger of more agents to come. And since no agents have followed Charlie, Hartmano concludes that he came alone to rescue Kiefer without back-up. "How sad," says Hartmano. "Doesn't it bother you that your partner is going to die trying to save you?" "Breaks me up," says Kiefer sarcastically. Although the sarcasm is for the benefit of the Salazars. In subtitled Spanish, Hartmano orders one of his thugs to beat the truth out of Special Agent Charlie Brown and then kill him. Charlie Brown is escorted off-camera. Hector's cell phone rings. It's Amador, the faggy auctioneer. "Where are you?" asks Hector. "Put Kiefer on the phone," he says. "I only deal with him." While a split screen reveals Special Agent Charlie Brown being taken to a shed by a Salazar goon, Kiefer takes the phone and makes arrangements to meet Amador at some Whatever Location of Amador's specification in fifteen minutes. Kiefer relates the plan to the Salazars, and Hartmano takes his phone back. "What if he calls back?" asks Kiefer, obviously wanting to hang on to it. "I'll take a message," says a deadpan Hartmano. Noticing that Kiefer has the shakes, Hartmano gets him some "pills," which I assume to be methadone or some sort of tranquilizer. "I need to use the bathroom," says Kiefer, shaking. It's about time he had to go. For some reason, even though this is a random location where they stopped, Hartmano directs him to a bathroom in the back of the ranch house.
The time is 9:07:20 PM. Back at the Rancho Narcotico, Poor Man's Angelina Jolie is putting her brother Sergio to bed…in this abandoned farm house they just arrived at. The place is freshly painted -- both inside and out -- and dust-free, and they never showed them breaking in…or even opening a door to enter. Anyway, as Angelina tucks Sergio in, who isn't tired, he asks where Hector is. "He's busy," she says. "You'll see him tomorrow morning. Now go to sleep." And like the good underdeveloped child character that he is, Sergio closes his eyes and literally falls asleep. As she walks out of the room -- a room whose door is merely a curtain, mind you -- Kiefer grabs her and tells her to sit down. "I need you to listen to me," says Kiefer, checking to see that little Sergio is asleep. He is, and apparently that curtain will totally muffle the urgent conversation they are about to have, and therefore Sergio will not wake up. Kiefer spills the beans about this true reason for coming to Whatever Mexico. "You are still with CTU?" asks Angelina. As if CTU is a talent agency, like CAA. Kiefer explains that the prison break was part of his scam to infiltrate the Salazars. "You betray us once, then you come back to betray us again?" says Angelina. "Them, not you," says Kiefer with velvety assurance. Once again she bitches about the fact that he promised to help free her and her immediate family from the Salazars. Kiefer explains that he intended to, but when he heard about the new V-I-R-U-S, his priorities shifted. "Millions of lives are at stake, you have to understand that," says Kiefer. "But I can get you out now -- you, Sergio and your father." He asks her to get him a cell phone so he can call CTU and let them know he's okay, and he asks her to do all she can to help Special Agent Charlie Brown. "I'll do what I can," says Angelina. They make out. A lot. Like, you can practically see spit trails and everything. "If you're lying to me again," says Poor Man's Angelina Jolie, "I'll kill you myself."
The time is 9:10:08 PM. Back at that shed, some new Salazar henchman is trying to extract information from Special Agent Charlie Brown. This new henchman, incidentally, looks like what would happen if porn star Ron Jeremy and painter Diego Velazquez had a child together in a Crisco factory. And they're really trying to bring in the HoYay. Special Agent Charlie Brown's hands are tied, and he's strapped to the rafters above. Some guy is assisting Ron Jeremy, and his biceps bulge as he turns the crank that pulls Special Agent Charlie Brown's arms higher. I'm sorry, but I'm just not turned on. In fact, I'm channeling the Sally Field mini-series Sybil. And that wasn't a sexy movie -- at least not after the Brad Davis character disappeared. They beat him with a metal object, and Charlie's screams can be heard from the front lawn of this farmhouse where Kiefer is standing with Hartmano. "About your partner," says Hartmano. "You must be feeling something." Avoiding eye contact with Hartmano, Kiefer is all, "I have a $50 million payday when this all goes down." Or maybe he said "fifteen." I can't really tell. The Fox recaps say "fifteen," but that seems like a paltry sum of money to sell your country out for. I mean, it's not like Kiefer is a member of Al Qaeda who has never known what indoor plumbing is like. And even those people were offered $20 million to give up Osama Bin Laden. Kiefer maintains that Special Agent Charlie Brown is "on his own." "Is he as tough as you?" asks Hartmano. "He still believes in the lie," says Kiefer. "That what he's doing has purpose."
Back in the master bedroom of Casa Abandoñito, Hector is changing his clothes. Um, when did they have time to unpack, let alone get everyone's luggage up to their rooms? And another thing? Hector looks really hot with his shirt off. I'm not sure I'm even supposed to be admitting this. "Where are you going?" asks Angelina. "Don't leave!" She makes out with him, and while he is in the throes of ecstasy, she surreptitiously grabs his cell phone. They go outside together where Kiefer and Hartmano are waiting. She tries to get close enough to Kiefer to hand him the phone. He can even see it in her hand. But she's stopped by Hector, who has just noticed that his phone is missing. He asks her to go inside and fetch it for him. I knew that wouldn't work. What doofus leaves his house without checking to see that he has his cell phone? Especially when there's a billion-dollar deal in the making. I check to see that I've got my cell phone when I go do laundry, for Christ's sake. Bad plan, Angelina, bad plan! Hector orders everyone into the car while they wait for his cell phone. Without any means of communication with CTU, Kiefer has no choice but to get into the utility vehicle and listen to the screams of Special Agent Charlie Brown. The time is 09:12:49 PM.
The time is 09:17:03 PM. Klockwise from the top left, Palmer works at his desk, Kiefer drives to go meet Amador, and Adam the Woman Hater stares at his computer. Back on the floor of CTU, Potato Face enters and seems to be making her way to the other side of the room. Spawn stops her and asks her if she's heard from Special Agent Charlie Brown. You see, it's not that big a deal that her father is on an undercover mission and could be totally dead, but Spawn's boyfriend of three months is down there too and that takes priority. "Are there alternate frequencies he might use to contact you?" asks Spawn. "Yeah," says Potato Face. "And they're on auto scan. He hasn't checked in." "Maybe we can reach him by satellite," says Spawn. "Satellite! Good idea! I didn't think of that," says Potato Face sarcastically. I love Potato Face right now. "You don't have to be sarcastic," says Spawn. "This is someone that I care about!" "Get a grip," says Potato Face, exiting.
Soul Patch enters, talking to another anonymous person on his cell phone. Spawn asks him for the format code that he forgot to give her earlier. He tells her a code, but she identifies it as the "old" code. Realizing his mistake, he gives her another code. Spawn gives the code to Adam the Woman Hater, who complains about the "eight minutes" they wasted by not having a current code. She types in the code and gets access to the documents she needs. "That could have been a disaster," says Adam the Woman Hater. "Without those files, we can't track the rescue teams." Spawn watches Soul Patch walk across the floor, his neck bandage clearly visible, as frantic xylophone music plays in the background. Bitchelle is also watching Soul Patch. Shut up, frantic xylophone.
Back at District -- are they still based at District? -- Brother Palmer enters and tells Palmer that CTU lost track of Kiefer. Palmer asks if he's in trouble and if he's gained possession of the V-I-R-U-S yet. Brother Palmer tells Palmer that CTU doesn't know. There's a knock at the door. Yet another girlfriend of Joel Surnow enters and tells Palmer that he has an important call from someone named Alan Milliken. Brother Wayne appears concerned. "I'll take it," says Palmer to Joel Surnow's girlfriend. Brother Palmer leaves the room. Alan Milliken is a Poor Man's Vernon Jordan, judging by the opulence of his home, his Sulka smoking jacket, and his ease in getting the President on the phone. He chastises Palmer for not visiting him while in L.A., and asks to see him about an important matter. "I don't want to add to your burdens," says PoorMan'sVernonJordan. "After all, you are the President of the United States." "In large part, thanks to you," says Palmer, promising to come see him in fifteen minutes. "One more thing, " says PoorMan'sVernonJordan. "I'm asking you not to bring Brother Palmer."
The time is 9:20:37 PM. CTU. Soul Patch and Crystal Gael huddle in a conference room, looking for ways to track down Kiefer and Charlie Brown. They determine that Kiefer couldn't be more than thirty miles from the spot where they last tracked him -- their satellite technology would have told them if, say, a chopper had come and picked him up. Chappelle enters. Doesn't he have an office in another building he has to get to? Soul Patch and Crystal Gael pretend to be afraid of him and his authority. "Where's Kiefer?" he asks. Soul Patch admits that they don't know yet. "So this entire operation, which hinges on Kiefer being on site when they deliver the V-I-R-U-S, is going down the tubes because we don't know where he is?" asks Chappelle. "You want to chew us out?" asks Soul Patch. "Do it later." "I will," sputters Chappelle, exiting the room and threatening to hold them responsible for every death that this undercover mission has caused. "So what happens if Kiefer goes to this meeting without back-up?" asks Crystal Gael, now that Chappelle is out of the room. "The Salazars get the V-I-R-U-S," says Soul Patch. "What happens from there? I don't know."
The time is 9:22:59 PM. Whatever, Mexico. Automobile headlights sensuously flicker through the Mexican jungle as the Salazar caravan arrives at the designated meeting spot. A geodesic tent has been pitched near some ruins in the woods. Amador, a compact man in a suit, comes out and greets Kiefer, who, in turn, introduces him to Hector and Hartmano. Kiefer tells Amador that $100 million dollars is in escrow in a Swiss account, ready to buy the V-I-R-U-S. "There's been a complication," says Amador. "Another buyer is interested in the V-I-R-U-S. We'll hold an auction and the V-I-R-U-S will go to the highest bidder." Hector gets angry and lunges at Amador. Kiefer holds him back and tries to convince him that they will still rake in a hefty profit, even if they have to pay $50 million more for the V-I-R-U-S than anticipated.
Headlights indicate that yet another car has pulled up. "The other buyer is here," says Amador. The car stops, and a woman with brown hair -- we can only see her from the back -- gets out. Kiefer is surprised to see this woman. "Do you know her?" asks Hartmano. A close-up establishes that it is Nina. Nina in need of a sandwich, might I add. You know, I am thinking that Nina is to 24 what Kelly Clarkson is to American Idol. I mean, when you think about it, Nina "won" the first season of 24 by being the most surprising character. In the same respect, Kelly "won" AI and subsequently gets invited back to appear -- however briefly -- on subsequent seasons of AI, which, in turn, exploit her appearances for superlative ratings. Yet every time Kelly appears on American Idol, it just gets less and less exciting. It was fun to see her win, but her career itself, it just doesn't have that same panache. It's the same with Nina. I get excited that she's coming back, but it's only for a few episodes and it's always disappointing. As soon as Nina sees Jack, she orders her men to kill him, as he is a federal agent. Yeah, Nina has men now. Ain't Presidential pardons great? Amador demands that everyone put their guns away, and explains to Nina that Kiefer is representing a buyer just like her. "I know him," says Nina. "Whatever he's told you, he's lying." Kiefer tries to explain that he's no longer "with" CTU. "I work for myself," he says. "I'm out of here," says Nina, walking off. Kiefer tells Amador to let her go "in honor of the original deal," but Amador calls her back, reminding her that her client won't be too happy if she comes back from the auction empty-handed. He also explains that they have secured the land around them by monitoring for listening devices and military presence. Reluctantly, Nina agrees to stay and bid. The time is 09:25:50 PM.
The time is 9:30:05 P.M. Klockwise from the top left, Charlie Brown gets beaten, Nina talks to someone on a cell phone, and Kiefer is in profile. The Presidential limousine pulls up to PoorMan'sVernonJordan's estate. It's big and has Doric columns framing the front porch, so you know he's rich and powerful. Palmer is escorted into a sitting room by a white butler. Milliken greets him and they exchange pleasantries. Milliken thanks Palmer for coming at a moment's notice, and Palmer explains that Milliken always had time for Palmer so it's no trouble at all. Um, did it occur to Palmer to tell him that they have a national emergency on their hands and to at least ask if this meeting can wait? Especially when it turns out that the reason this guy wants to talk to Palmer is because he wants Brother Palmer fired as his chief of staff. You see, back when Brother Palmer was the president of Milliken's company and Milliken was recovering from a stroke, Brother Palmer had an affair with Milliken's wife. So Milliken wants revenge. Oh, and Mrs. Milliken, played by Gina Torres, has to come into the room in a slinky slip dress and tell Palmer the story herself. "I waited for you to come to Los Angeles so I could do this face to face," says Milliken. Um, Milliken? National emergency? Hello? Palmer argues that Brother Palmer is his closest advisor and best friend. Milliken hints that "repercussions" will come to Palmer if he doesn't fire Wayne. Whatever.
Back at CTU, Bitchelle is briefing Adam the Woman Hater about some Whatever Technology issue when Spawn pulls her aside to talk to her. They go into Bitchelle's office -- or at least I think that's her office. The new CTU doesn't seem to have assigned seats, or is that just my imagination? "I don't know if Soul Patch is well enough to do his job," whispers Spawn. Bitchelle explains that Soul Patch was shot a few hours ago and won't be working at full capacity. Spawn tells Bitchelle about the security codes that Soul Patch thought he'd given her but didn't. Um, Spawn? Have you ever had a job before? The whole point of working for someone is that they always forget shit and you always take the blame for it. It's the American way. If they removed bosses from positions because of minor infractions like that, offices would be empty canyons from here to Pasadena. Anyway, Bitchelle tries to chalk it up to stress and health issues…plus the fact that everyone is the office is feeling the strain of the day's events. Spawn insists that Soul Patch might not be up to doing his job. "You're his wife," says Spawn. "You're also second in command. If Soul Patch can't do his job, somebody has to tell Chappelle and that somebody should be you." Tell Chappelle? What's he going to do about it? Appoint a replacement who will be fired in three hours? She exits, leaving Bitchelle staring at the wall really hard.
Back in Whatever, Mexico in that shed outside of Casa Abandoñito, Charlie Brown is still suspended from the rafters, and his torturers are taking a break. Poor Man's Angelina Jolie enters and dismisses the men to go take care of Hector's truck. Once she's alone with Special Agent Charlie Brown, she sees that he is vomiting (or spitting) blood. She races over to him with a bottle of water (disinfectant?) and explains, as she washes his wounds, about the new V-I-R-U-S and how things are not what they seem and Kiefer is really still with CTU, yada yada yada. "Kiefer promised to get my entire family out of here if I helped you," says Angelina. "So help me!" gasps Charlie Brown. Angelina promises to figure out a way, but she can't right now because too many of Hector's people are around.
Back at the Terror Division of Christie's Auction House, Hector and Hartmano discuss how much they should bid on the V-I-R-U-S. They decide to offer $200 million. Hartmano sends Hector off to call the bank. "Who is she?" asks Hartmano, noticing that Kiefer is staring at Nina. Kiefer explains once more that he worked with Nina at CTU. "No," says Hartmano. "There ees more between you and dis woman." Shut up, Hartmano. Who appointed you a member of the 24 Greek chorus? "She killed my wife," says Kiefer. "Ees thees going to be a problem?" asks Hartmano. "No," says Kiefer, unconvincingly. The time is 09:38:50 PM.
The time is 09:43:05 PM. Klockwise from the top left, PoorMan'sAngelinaJolie shows off some hand moves she picked up from the Central American touring company of Mummenschanz, Soul Patch makes another phone call, Spawn sits at her computer, and Hector stares off into space. Back at Casa Abandoñito, Angelina has just told Brother Sergio to prepare to leave. "Where are we going?" he asks. "We will be together," says Angelina. "We're together now," says Sergio. "Is Hector coming?" For some inexplicable reason, I have a feeling that Sergio's love of Hector is going to bite Angelina in the ass. But then, I've never seen a television show before. Sergio whines some more about Hector. Angelina tells Sergio to forget about Hector and just do what she says. Juan Voight, Angelina's father, enters and asks Angelina what she's planning to do. Angelina tells him about Kiefer's plan to get them all out of there. "These people, Hector, Hartmano, Kiefer, you can't trust any of them," says Juan Voight. Angelina swears that Kiefer is different. Juan Voight is fine with that, but he doesn't want to leave with her. "I'm not going without you," says Angelina, grabbing a large knife from the kitchen.
Back at CTU, Bitchelle approaches Soul Patch, who is on yet another phone call, and confronts him about the mistakes he's been making all day. "Sweetheart, you should still be in the hospital," says Bitchelle. "If you're not a hundred percent, you should step down." Soul Patch insists he's fine and puts an end to the discussion by stomping off. Not satisfied, Bitchelle stomps over to Chappelle's office -- he has an office at CTU? -- and tells him her suspicions about her husband's health and job competency. "Any other day, I wouldn't be worried about this," says Bitchelle. "But…I'm just not sure he's up to it today." For once, Chappelle says something wise. He points out to Bitchelle that by pulling Soul Patch, they're down a man. Plus, he's been working exclusively with Kiefer and Crystal Gael on their secret mission since its inception. "Unless you think his mistakes are significant enough…" says Chappelle. "I do," says Bitchelle. Chappelle asks Bitchelle for a moment so he can wrap up the phone call he's on. She leaves his office, and they have Chappelle make one of those ambiguo-glances as if Chappelle is evil. Oh, please. Don't even. We've been down this road before and it never takes us anywhere.
Back at Division, Palmer enters Brother Palmer's office and bitches him out for having an affair with Milliken's wife. Brother Palmer offers to resign, but Palmer tells him not to. Brother Palmer warns Palmer that Milliken is a "very dirty fighter." "Are you sure you want to get down in the gutter with that man?" asks Brother Palmer. "You haven't left me much choice, have you?" replies Palmer.
The time is 09:48:23 PM. Soul Patch is summoned to Chappelle's office. Bitchelle is still there. "I asked you here because your competency has been brought into question," says Chappelle. Soul Patch asks who has been raising these questions. Bitchelle admits that it's her. Soul Patch is pissed that she went to Chappelle instead of coming to him first. Um, she did try to talk to you. Anyway, he insists that he's fit for duty. Chappelle tests him by having him recall from memory what items were on Chappelle's monitor when he walked into the room. Soul Patch recalls everything perfectly. Chappelle questions him about the "slips" he made earlier in the hour. Bitchelle reminds Soul Patch of how he forgot to give Spawn the important signatures. Soul Patch explains that he didn't give them to her verbally. He put them on her "in screen." Bitchelle comes up with another example of his incompetence. He has a reasonable excuse for that too. It's even something checkable. Bitchelle checks, and the Whatever Code is there. Chappelle apologizes to Soul Patch and calls an end to the meeting. "You've wasted time we don't have," Chappelle says accusingly to Bitchelle. The time is 9:50:52 PM.
The time is 09:55:03 PM. Back at Sotheby's Central America, Nina is frisked for weapons before she enters the geodesic tent. They do the same to Hector, Hartmano, and Kiefer. Everyone sits down, and it's just like the results show of American Idol in that what really only needs to take five minutes is taking a full half hour. Tension-building music plays. Nina makes significant hate-sex eye contact with Kiefer. They hand in their envelopes. Everyone attests to their availability of funds. I swear there was even a skit with Coca-Cola product placement. Finally, Amador announces the results. Team Salazar bid $225 million. Nina and the Ike-ettes bid $240 million, and therefore she is going home with the big V. Kiefer and Nina exchange more hate-sex glances. "You are a dead man," says Hector. Only I'm not sure who he said it to. It makes the most sense that he said it to Kiefer, but he seemed to be looking in Amador's direction and Amador got the reaction shot. Nevertheless, Team Salazar exits, tails tucked between their legs. Amador tells Nina that he'll contacting her with more details in two episodes…I mean, "hours."
Outside the geodesic tent, Hector yells at Kiefer some more. "You promised to de-leever de virus! You deed-ent!" he says. "Not now," says Hartmano. They get into the car. Nina exits. Kiefer watches her walk away. "You can't let Nina Myers walk away," says Kiefer as the car pulls away. "You have to put a man on her." The Salazar brothers tell him to shut up. "You had your chance," says Hartmano. Kiefer starts to feel the eerie silence in the car and realizes its significance. As pizzicato violins play to heighten the tension, the screen splits into four sections as images of Nina, Charlie Brown, and Brother Palmer appear. The images fade, the Salazars pull over, and Kiefer is ordered out of the car. The pizzicato violins stop. "You're of no use to us anymore," says Hartmano, pulling out a gun. "You failed!" Kiefer begs for his life like a little girl. It's like he should have been in Glengarry Glen Ross or something. Finally he convinces the Salazars that he can still get the V-I-R-U-S by getting to Nina. "I know her," says Kiefer. "I trained her. I can get to her." "Let's play this out a little longer," says Hartmano to Hector. They don't shoot him. "That man has more lives than a cat," says Hartmano. Meanwhile, maybe it's the lighting, but Kiefer looks like he's had a really bad eye job. The time is 09:59:58…09:59:59…10:00:00 PM.