Don't own Chuck
Previous Chuck stories and order: 1 Chuck vs Charles, 2 Chuck vs the Love Boat, 3 Chuck vs The Rock, 4 Chuck vs Amtrak, 5 Chuck vs The Dictator, 6 Chuck vs The Name, 7 Chuck vs The Volcano, 8 Chuck vs The Ghost, 9 Chuck vs The Shooter, 10 Chuck vs The Package, 11 Chuck vs The Jade Dragon, 12 Chuck vs Jai-Alai, 13 Chuck vs The Greek, 14 Chuck vs The Suitcase, 15 Chuck vs The Pirate, 16 Chuck vs The Toy Maker, 17 Chuck vs The Sibyl, 18 Chuck vs The House, 19 Chuck vs The Heist, 20 Chuck vs The A-Bomb, 21 Chuck vs The Snowman, 22 Chuck vs The Tin Man, 23 Chuck vs The Baguette, 24 Chuck vs The Black Knight, 25 Chuck vs The Merchant of Venice, 26 Chuck vs Electric Sheep, 27 Chuck vs The Band, 28 Chuck vs The Cold, 29 Chuck vs A Horse With No Name, 30 Chuck vs A Bolt In The Blue, 31 Chuck vs Brick and Mortar, 32 Chuck vs Juri Sheshenkov, 33 Chuck vs The Couch, 34 Chuck vs The Hijack, 35 Chuck vs El Capitan, 36 Chuck vs The Wall, 37 Chuck vs The Outback, 38 Chuck vs The Evil Twin, 39 Chuck vs Golden Thumb, 40 Chuck vs Ben Franklin, 41 Chuck vs The Lady of Uruk, 42 Chuck vs The Beard, 43 Chuck vs Bunny, 44 Chuck vs the Football, 45 Chuck vs El Serpiente, 46 Chuck vs The Circus, 47 Chuck vs Broken Arrow
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Beckman got off the horn with Casey and Morgan then looked over the folder that the Major had given to her. Both men stood there silently as she looked over it and before long their silence became deafening until the General couldn't take it anymore. She turned around and looked at them raising an eyebrow.
"I suppose you two have a comment you'd like to make about my decision to send the Colonel and the wooly one to London."
"I have to admit I'm kind of perplexed and seeing as the Colonel is good at breaking things are we sure he's the right choice for this mission?"
"Let's face it he's a bull in a China shop and you just turned him lose in a country full of fine china. What do they say if you break it you bought it?"
"I'll be the first to admit that the Colonel is a little rough around the edges but he does get the job done."
"Did he get the job done with Ettore? He just had to deliver him and he couldn't do that. I don't want to say anything but maybe Ettore wasn't that far off the mark."
"I share some of the fault in that but I can't yank the Carmichaels' back into service... yes they would've been my first choice. However, I need to be a little cautious with Chuck..."
"I get it," said Roan. "The minute the MI6 meet Colonel Shoot 'em up and Cousin It his side kick they'll contact Charles and Sarah directly. Then you won't have to recall them they'll ask to be included on the mission."
"I've worked enough ops in my career to know how to handle agents and assets. Did you see who MI6 is assigning to this detail," said Beckman as she opened the fold and pointed out the name.
"Cole Barker which means that Carina Miller will be going too. Sarah Carmichael's old partner and friend," said the Major to Roan.
"I know who she is. But don't you think this is a little too obvious. Surely Chuck will realize he and Sarah are being manipulated."
"I'm sure he will which is why I'll turn down his request a couple of times. Telling him we don't work for MI6 and I've got our two best agents on it."
"I hope you're not talking about Colonel deadeye and his partner the baby wooly mammoth because that dog doesn't hunt."
"Oh I think it will but it doesn't really matter because in the end they'll be on this mission which is what we all want. Sneaky and conniving too but this is the office of clandestine affairs."
"So what is this mission about anyway? The Queen is going to visit the horse auction in Keeneland but why?"
"She's coming to look at thoroughbreds and see if there are any she's interested in. Something about getting new blood for her breeding stock. She's an avid equestrian."
"I don't understand. Shouldn't the Secret Service be tasked with guarding and protecting her during her visit here?"
"They will be but while they'll be with her we can move around in the shadows... case the place rooting out possible hotspots that we can have her steer clear of. Word on the grape vine is there might be an assassination attempt."
"Do we know by whom?" said Roan as he reached over and flipped open the Queen's folder to have a peek.
"Unfortunately no but the source was reliable. However, even if it wasn't this is a high profile visit and we can't let it get screwed up. Translated, we can't take any chances with any tips which means we take all threats seriously until proven otherwise. Well gentlemen, I think this has been a long day and I'm ready to put it behind me."
"Me too," said Roan as he smiled at her. "I'm thinking about some oysters on the half shell followed by a lobster Newburg then we can have dessert and a nightcap at Chez Roan."
"I'm sorry but I can't," said the Major as he looked down at his tablet. "I'm meeting a captain I met down in the labs."
"I'll just be heartbroken then," said Roan as the General brought her hand up to her mouth to cover her laugh. "Diane, are you free this evening?"
"Sure I can take a break from my busy schedule. I'd hate to see you eat alone now that the Major has turned you down."
"I appreciate it. If you hadn't rescued me I would've spent the evening with my assortment of pussy cats... such a daunting task."
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Morgan and Casey got off the horn with Beckman. Morgan looked at Casey then smiled but John wasn't in the mood and just walked away to a waiting SUV there to run them out to the airport. Morgan ran after the and climbed in the other side then took a tissue out licked it. He tried to erase the 'L' on his forehead as he looked at his reflection in the window.
"That's not going to work," said Casey. "You're going to need something stronger than spit to get that off."
"Maybe I should call Chuck. He'll know what to use," said Morgan. Casey turned beet red and the veins on his neck stood up and saluted.
"You call Chuck and you die. He can never know and I repeat never know about this. Do you understand me? I swear this is all your fault."
"All my fault? How do you see that? You're the one who wrote on Ettore's head so the way I see this it's payback and you're to blame."
"I'll show Ettore payback when I get a hold of him. He who laughs loudest laughs last and that is going to be me when I pop a cap in him."
"John, I understand you're angry and I can feel for you but you know our briefing with Becky didn't go all that badly..."
"You don't think so? You must be a moron. Did you hear her she took us off of Ettore and put us on this mission to London? She putting as much distance as she can between us and Ettore. I'm willing to bet that she hands capturing Ettore over to Chuck and Sarah..."
"Is that such a bad thing?" said Morgan. He wished he'd kept his mouth shut afterwards. Casey was snorting and pawing at the ground like a bull getting ready to charge.
"This is our mission not theirs. There's an unwritten law that says you see a mission through until the end or your end."
"I guess Beckman never studied law," said Morgan. But he could see Casey's look which wasn't very friendly. "But John think about maybe Beckman gave us this because the two missions are related. Yeah that's it... she couldn't tell you this out right because... because it was a secret. How may missions have you been sent on that you didn't know why."
"Well yes... there have been a few like that. Mainly when Regan was president... the best president this nation has known..."
"Just think we've finally got Bonzo," said Morgan. Casey gave him a look. "I'm just saying this could be her way to keep us on the mission... like you said a law."
"Maybe you're right and I guess there's no way to tell until we get there," said Casey as their SUV pulled into a hangar with a waiting Learjet inside. The pilot started the engines and as soon as they boarded and began pulling out after they buckled in.
"How far is it from here to London? Please tell me not very far. You know on the map it's less than an inch away."
"it's only about three or four hours away. But we're flying into Mildenhall then driving down," said Casey as he looked outside. "Don't tell me you're going to start with your crap about flying?"
"Who me? No, I'm over that now. I don't need to root anymore," said Morgan as he tried to play off that his stomach was in knots. The plane halted suddenly and came to a jerky stop. "Oh my gosh we're going to die. Please no I'm too young to die I haven't done any of the things on my bucket list."
"Bucket list? What bucket list?" said Casey but Morgan just shrugged his shoulders and pretended not to know what he was talking about.
"Did I say bucket list? No I don't think I did. You probably just misheard. It was... it was my teeth chattering. Yes, that's what it was my teeth."
"How would you like to swallow some," said Casey as he reached over and grabbed a piece of paper sticking out of his pocket.
"Listen John I need to put that in context before you misunderstand. I was making that as a distraction while I was stuck in the Hydra compartment on the Contessa. John, do you hear me," said Morgan as Casey looked the list over. Morgan got scared because at first John refused to speak. Grimes was afraid John was having a stroke.
"Oh you're so dead," were the first words he uttered. "I mean it you're going to die and I'm going to enjoy strangling you. Who knows I might even set a new record. Morgan, you're going to be dead meat when I get my hands on you," said Casey as he waded up the list then shoved it into Morgan's mouth. "Chew on that for a while."
"What's the matter John. Geez there's nothing bad on that list? What's wrong with a kiss under the mistletoe? You do realize we're going to be married one of these days?"
"The key words are 'one of these days and what's wrong with it is I'll be thinking if you have or haven't when I stand under it with Kat and there goes the moment."
"You know they have a little blue pill to take care of that problem now," said Morgan. John gave him the look of death. "Not that you would need it… yet."
"You know what you have in common with a wrench and what you have that's different," said Casey as they flew out across the North Sea then down the coast of England.
"I don't know but knowing you it's something like up besides my head."
"Not a bad idea and I'll take that into consideration but no," said Casey. Morgan rolled his eyes and waited. "No, but you both are tools only a wrench is useful."
"Gee thanks John," said Morgan as he got up. "But I'm going to go look for something that will take this thing off my forehead." But then the hit an air pocket and the plane dropped. "Or maybe not."
"I'll go look for something. There has to be a first aid kit and it will have alcohol wipes in it," said Casey. But as he got up the fasten seat belt sign came on.
"John, you shouldn't be going around now. Not with that sign on. What happens if we lose cabin pressure and you get sucked out."
"At least I won't have a stupid 'L' written on my forehead and I'm not going to let any of those limey nasty teeth blokes see me with this."
"I understand what you're saying but Ettore already posted it on the dark web. You don't think they haven't seen that?"
"Haven't you ever heard of Photoshop? I can deny it and if you say otherwise I'll give you five reasons for not to," said John as he made a fist. "Get my point?"
"You might want to hurry up with that. We're passing inland now so we'll be landing soon."
"The first aid kit is probably in the lavatory… that's the bathroom for you."
"I know that. That's where Doctor Frankenstein created his monster," said Morgan. Casey gave him a look.
"Maybe you should keep the 'L' I said lavatory not laboratory and who are you calling? It's too early to call Alex and I need to clean this crap off first."
"And like I said when monsters are created. If you don't believe me just ask Jeff. I'm calling Chuck," said Morgan as he pulled out his phone. Casey gave him the evil eye. "Don't worry I won't say anything about you know what."
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Back in Montenegro there was a family reunion. Sam ran across the room and leaped into Chuck's arms smiling and happy. Sarah kissed her on the forehead then went and got Bunny just to hold her. Then Sam and Molly told them everything that had happened all in one breath. Emma sat on one of the sofa just listening and smiling.
"Mom, are you feeling all right," said Sarah. "You're being awfully quiet. We're back so you can rest if you want too."
"No, I'm fine. I was just thinking how nice it is to have everyone here. But I also am a little sad because I know you're going to have to leave soon too."
"Well we don't have to think about that yet. We just got here so let's make the most of it. Chuck was thinking about us all going out on the boat on a picnic tomorrow. But if you're too tired we can do something here."
"I don't want to be a party pooper and we can revisit that idea tomorrow. A day on the water does sound nice though." As they were talking the door to the suite opened up and Jack walked in followed by Carina.
"Aunt Carina," yelled Sam as she jumped down out of Chuck's arms then ran over and leaped into hers.
"Wow kiddo are you getting big. How old are you now sixty-four?" said Carina as Sam made a face at her.
"Don't be silly you know how old I am. But if you're not feeling well I can take care of you. I've got my bag so I can examine you and make you all better."
"Yes about that bag," said Sarah. "It's been brought to my attention that I should have a look in it. So afterwards I want to hold an inspection."
"And I bet I know who the Rat Fink was who sold me out. Let me get down you probably want to hold my sister," said Sam as she got down. "Molly, why don't you and I go into my bedroom so we can give the old people some privacy."
"Thanks," said Sarah. "But don't think I don't know what you're up too. Taking your bag into your room to hide its contents won't keep me from confiscating what you shouldn't have."
"Who me? Would I do something like that," said Sam as she put on an innocent look. "Who do you think I am?"
"My daughter," said Sarah. "Now go and play with Molly. If you behave yourselves there'll be ice cream afterwards."
"Yes! It's a deal," said Sam as she and Molly went into her room. "You know you look a little pale. Maybe I should…"
"Don't even try it," said Molly as they went into Sam's room. "You heard what Sarah said about behaving so do it."
"Oof, what's up with everybody? Why have you all become party poopers lately," said Sam as they closed the door.
"She doesn't even know what a party pooper is but she thinks it's funny because it's got the word poop in it," said Chuck as he walked over behind Sarah.
"She's not wrong," said Carina. "I had to come all this way to see my new niece. When are you guys going to get around to sending pics? I hope before she moves out to go to the University," said Carina as she took Bunny from Sarah. "Yeah tell them kiddo that they've been mean to auntie Carina."
"I'll be the first person to admit that we've been a little dilatory but we've caught one mission after another so it's really not our fault."
"And I have a feeling we're about to catch another one, am I right? You didn't come all this way to just chastise us over not sending baby pictures something you could do over the phone."
"No, Carina wouldn't do that," said Chuck as he looked at the two of them. "Or would you? No, no, no we're not taking another mission… not right now at least. I wouldn't go on a mission right now even if the president call and begged me."
"What if it were the Queen?" said Carina as Bunny smiled at her. "She already recognizes me and now your father doesn't know what to say."
"Oh yes he does, no… net, ei, what other languages do you want no in," said Chuck but as he speaking his phone rang. "It's Morgan. I need to take this."
"But before you do look at this," said Carina as she handed Chuck her phone. "Look at the pics I downloaded off the dark net."
"Of those are sweet," said Chuck as he handed her phone back then answered his. "Morgan, how are you doing? I'm putting you on speaker so everyone can hear you. I assume Casey's with you. Are you guys headed back yet?"
"No, Becky's got us on a super important mission. This phone is secure, isn't it? I'd hate to violate any protocols, rules, laws or edicts."
"Go ahead I want to hear how the hand off went in Poland," said Chuck as he smiled at Carina who was showing Sarah the photos of Casey and Morgan.
"Oh this is almost as good as what happened in Prague," said Sarah as she looked at the photo. "Some people never learn."
"Hey not fair I never did hear what happened in Prague," said Chuck. "Morgan you'll never guess what we're looking at."
"I think I can. Becky already informed us that there are photos flying around the dark net that are obviously faked. Chuck, it was a setup. When we got here there were people waiting like we thought there was supposed to be and they even knew all the secret handshakes. But the next thing we know is we're being woken up by the real people who were supposed to pick up Ettore. They were sent to a different part of the airport that was why they were late."
"Crap, we let Ettore get away again. Morgan it's not your or Casey's fault he's just smarter that you guys are…"
"What was that you said? I beg to differ," said Casey as he grabbed Morgan's phone. "He just got lucky is all and the next time we meet I'm going to cap him like I ought to have this time. Then none of this Mickey mouse business will happen again."
"We saw the pics," said Carina. "Hi John and doesn't it remind you a little bit of Prague? I know it does me."
"Those photos are fake and we'll go to Ettore's grave saying it. I thought you'd be in London waiting for us? We were told we were supposed to be on this hush-hush mission with MI6 so I just assumed you'd be involved."
"I'm trying to put together the rest of the team. Cole will brief you when you get to London on what your jobs will be. But I think it's something you can handle."
"We're protecting the Queen or something like that from what I understood. But I can't for the life of me figure out why us when she's got MI6 and the Secret Service to guard her."
"Oh that's because you've got a special task to perform. I don't want to steal Cole's thunder so I can't tell you anymore but like I said it's something you can handle. Right up your alley."
"John, why did Morgan call me anyway?" said Chuck as be gave carina a look as she whispered something in Sarah's ear and they laughed. "What did he want?"
"Let me put him on the line and he can explain," said John. There was some crackling sounds then Morgan came on the line.
"Hey Chuck, I was wondering since we're going to be here a few days do you mind if we use the barge. It would be better than finding a hotel room and it would be much better than roughing it with Casey."
"One moment," said Chuck as he put the phone on mute then turned to Sarah. "What do you say? You're the other half of Carmichael industries?"
"I don't mind as long as they stay out of the master bedroom. You can tell Morgan if he goes in there I'll brand something on his forehead and it won't be just 'L'."
"Little buddy it's okay just the master bedroom is off limits on pain of… well you get the picture."
"Great," said Morgan. "Thanks."