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
Alejandro and his wife Hortencia rode in their limo through the streets of the capital of Costa Gravas among the cheers of their people. They were on their way to the new presidential palace built after the old presidential palace was blown up during the last coup. Waiting to greet them were more of his beloved citizens and foreign dignitaries among whom were General Beckman and her aide.
"General how nice you could make it for this ribbon cutting ceremony," said Alejandro. "If I'm still here to cut this it is also thanks to you, Chuck and the Angel de la Vida, John Casey. I was kind of expecting them to be here with you but I don't see them."
"The Colonel is busy on a mission and Chuck is taking time off. His wife is due with their second baby sometime this month."
"That's right," said Hortencia as she broke into their conversation. "Sarah and I are both due about the same time. I wish she could be here and we have our babies together. Costa Gravas is lovely place to have babies this time of year."
"That's true and also to make them. But my wife is right it would be nice. You should see the nursey I had..." Alejandro started to say but Hortencia coughed. "I mean we had made. It added an extra month to the construction time but it was worth it and when you see it I think you'll agree."
"I appreciate that but I'm going to have to take a rain check," said the General as the Major gave her a signal they needed to go. "I sorry but I need to get over to our embassy..."
"Oh good so you are meeting with Eduard," said Alejandro. He caught Beckman's look. "What? I talk with Raúl. He keeps me informed about what's going on and if you run into an impasse just remind him he still owes me a favor or two."
"Thank you Premier I will if I have to," said the General. She and her aide left the party getting into their car then headed over to the American Embassy. They raced across town because they were already late.
"I didn't know you had the Colonel on a mission," said the Major as he pulled out the briefing notes for her on the Cuban delegation. "Is it classified or just need to know?"
"The Colonel is at the Buy More pushing grills and brand named electronics until the cows... well for a very long time. I'm still pissed over that last rogue mission of his along with his wooly companion. Is there any word yet from Interpol about Ettore or their rogue agent?"
"No, not a word not since they found Hector's plane abandoned in Algiers. But at least we were able to secure a big hunk of Ettore's assets with that bank key card."
"That may be nice but there's a lot more going on here. I could kick myself for listening to Chuck and turning Ettore over to Interpol. They didn't have the best track record going into this but I let him talk me into it and now this. He's in my doghouse too."
"Well General we need to put that on the back burner for now," said the Major as they drove into the embassy compound. "That's the Cuban's car over there they beat us here."
"Great we're late," said the General as she got out. The ambassador was waiting in the parking lot tapping his watch reminding her what time it was.
"I know, I know but the Premier wouldn't let me go," said the General as she followed the Ambassador into the conference room.
"It's nice for you to join us," said General Eduard as he shook the General's hand. "And you Yanks joke about us being late. I was beginning to think you were taking mañana seriously."
"Well I'm here now said the General as she played it off. "Shall we begin or do you want to go with mañana idea?"
The meeting and talks didn't start on a very auspicious note and lasted through most of the night into the early morning hours. Finally they hammered out something that both parties could put their names to. However, that was only thanks to Alejandro. When it seemed they were going to go home empty handed Beckman went over and whispered what Alejandro had told her to say to her counterpart. The Cuban General laughed.
"He would think I owed him a favor but the truth is the way I see it he owes me. I was the one who introduced him to his wife but I didn't tell him to marry her." They all started laughing then from there they went to shots of rum then signing a provisionary document.
"I would tell you good evening," said Beckman as she saw the delegates off. "But I think it's morning now." They were all shaking hands when they heard a loud explosion. People started scurrying about around round them.
"Major, grab someone and find out what just happened," yelled the General. She saw her Cuban General counterpart doing the same.
"It was a bomb," said the Cuban General after being briefed by one of his men. "Someone attacked the Premier's convoy this morning as he was making one last visit to their old residence. I don't know if there are any casualties."
"Generals," said the Major. "I just got word that the Premier and his wife were the targets and both have been taken to the civilian medical center for emergency treatment. That's all we know right now."
"Eduard would you like to ride over to the hospital with me," said Beckman. "I think we'd make better time together and your people can follow along in your car. This way we can find out first hand what's going on."
"And provide a unified front I'd like that very much," said the General. "Lead the way Diane and I'll follow you."
Diane smiled thinking that this could bring in a new era of cooperation as they piled into the embassy vehicle then set off racing across town. When they got to the hospital the police had already put the facility in lockdown. The Premier's head of security recognized the Generals from a distance so he vouched for them waving them past the guards that were turning away other people and especially members of the press.
"This way follow me please," said the Head of Security as he herded them around the journalists that had already setup camp outside the hospital. There were camera flashes as they were escorted in and newspaper reporters screamed questions at them as they pushed through.
"Come es la premier," asked Eduard. He was excited and he reverted to speaking in Spanish. "And how is his wife and her baby? I'm sorry I'm speaking Spanish."
"It's all right I can understand, entiendo," said Beckman but the answer to how the Premier was was answered straightaway when they heard him yelling at the top of his lungs.
"I want to know who was responsible for this heinous act and I want their heads on poles in the city square. I don't give a crap about constitution or not. I'll cut something else off them and you can try to stop me. Whoever it was came after the wrong man's my wife and unborn child."
"Alejandro calm down," said Beckman as she walked in with Eduard. "We'll do whatever it takes to find out who did this I... we promise."
"You have our word on that old friend," said Eduard as he hugged Alejandro. "If your constitution is going to get in the way we'll work something out. I know Raúl would agree there's nothing more important to him than family."
"Beloved Premier," said a Doctor coming into the room. At first security tried to stop him but the Premier waved him in. "Your wife and baby are fine. Your wife took some bad bumps and she's got some bruising but both mother and child are fine."
"Oh Madre de Dios thank you," said Alejandro as he threw his arms around Beckman and Eduard hugging them both crying. "I don't mind admitting I was scared. Can I go see mi corazón?"
"Yes but she's resting so keep the noise down," said the Doctor. The head of security raised an eye. "I mean please hold it down. This way, follow me please."
The Doctor led the Premier along with the two Generals and the head of security down a hallway to his wife's room. Along the way the security was set up to keep people in their rooms until the Premier passed but they let the medical staff move around which proved to be a mistake. One of the doctors yelled death to tyrants and pulled a revolver from under his coat. He raised his weapon and got one round off but the Head of Security leaped in front of the Premier taking the bullet that was meant for him. Both Beckman and Eduard drew weapons and both emptied their clips into the mad man.
"Paco, speak to me," said the Premier as he held the man in his arms. "Paco don't leave me. Who's going to help me get the men to the barricades?"
"I'm sorry I won't be around to see little Alejandro," said Paco as his voice got thin. The Doctor that was leading them bent down to take his pulse but shook his head.
"Don't worry my friend my son will know what kind of friend Paco El León was and that I'm here because of the sacrifice you made," said Alejandro as he got up wiping his eyes. "I want to know everything about that piece of crap," barked the Premier. "I owe my life again to you two. General Beckman, Diane, I have one request from you and given our previous conversation this may not be easy but I need it done."
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Chuck woke up early he rolled over and watched as the first rays of daylight danced in Sarah's hair. For some reason he thought she looked extremely lovely today. Maybe it was the fact that they were in the last month of her pregnancy or as he reminded her when she talked about being possessed by an alien life form the home stretch. She usually countered by talking about stretch marks but if she had them he couldn't see them.
"Hey, good morning to you," said Sarah waking up finding him looking at her. "What is it? You've got that look like you want to say something. Just remember I'm still half asleep."
"We're going to have a baby," said Chuck as rolled over and kissed her then brushed he hair back to look into her eyes.
"No really I thought we were having a puppy? Don't tell me it only took you eight months to figure that out and with the intersect too."
"Humor and sarcasm all rolled into one and first thing in the morning. Do I dare remind you we're almost there or are you going to bite my head off."
"I'm not going to bite your head off. Although I might remind you that close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades..."
"Don't forget atom bombs," said Chuck as he kissed her again. "What do you want for breakfast? Just tell me and I'll make it for you."
"I appreciate that but don't you have to go into work today and you're already going to be late as it is? It's too bad Ellie and Awesome had to go back to Chicago. It was nice having them around."
"I know but they needed to get back to put some time in before the baby's born so they can take off again," said Chuck as he got up. They heard the sound of little feet running towards their room. Chuck braced himself and caught Sam on the fly. She laughed and giggled as he caught her.
"Let me go, let me go," she screamed. "Stop that," she said as he tickled her then when he stop and let her go she tried to tickle him so he grabbed her up.
"You two need to stop. Sam your father needs to go to work and we have a mission to do together today." The two froze looking back at her.
"You do," said Chuck as they stopped. "Remember you're on maturity leave so no shenanigansof any kind."
"We're going to do what together?" asked Sam bright-eyed and smiling. "Are we going to have an adventure together?"
"Jack taught you that... shenanigansreally? We're going to go find a crib that we can put in here. I've got the measurements now we have to find one for Stephy."
"You mean Bunny," said Sam. "But why can't she sleep with me? I've got plenty of room and there's another bed already there."
"Stephy," Sarah started to say then caught Sam's look. "Okay Bunny is going to be very little and if she rolls around in a big bed she can fall out. Plus in the beginning she'll need to be feed at night."
"You mean she eats like Morgan?" said Sam. Both Chuck and Sarah laughed. Sam turned red and gave them angry looks.
"I'm in a hurry but that doesn't mean I can't squeeze orange juice for my favorite girls before I leave," said Chuck. He went into the kitchen and started pulling the bowl of oranges from the fridge.
"Sweetie, Casey just sent a cryptic message saying to turn on the television," said Sarah as she went over with Sam following behind. They took up a seat on the sofa together with Sam snuggling up close to Sarah.
"What's going on," asked Chuck as he brought over their orange juice sitting it down next to them. But before Sarah could say anything 'news flash' appeared on the bottom of the screen.
"More on the attempted assassination in Costa Gravas, it seems dissident factions attempted to assassinate the Prime Minister and his wife yesterday with an IED planted by the roadside in the capital city. We just receive a report of another attempt in the hospital where the Prime Minister and his wife were taken shortly after the blast. At this point nothing is clear although the fledgling democracy seems to be holding according to this news channels sources in the American embassy. More to come as things become clearer..." Sarah reached up and switched it off.
"Geez that guy just doesn't catch a break. The only good thing is I know it wasn't John. He sent us this text from the Buy More."
"Where you're supposed to be right now and Chuck, if this some sort of ploy to get us... you to go to Costa Grava...," Sarah started to say.
"Don't worry I told the General no missions until after Stephy's born," said Chuck. Sam cleared her throat. "Okay until Bunny's born. But I thought we only agreed to use the initial 'B'."
"What are you talking about," said Sam in a deep stern voice as she gave him a menacing look. "'B' stands for Bunny we all agreed to it and we even pinky swore."
"She's got you there. Everyone knows that's legally binding," said Sarah as she took a sip of her orange juice. "This is good. You're spoiling me. Now, you need to get changed and get out of here. We can take our time."
"I aim to please," said Chuck as he walked back to the bathroom.
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Morgan walked into the Buy More as usual. He walked in and looked around trying to spot where Big Mike was. He figured if he could avoid the waterholes he frequented he could avoid the jaws of the hungry lion and not have to hear about the mating rituals of large cats. He slipped in and immediately ducked behind a row of appliances like the animals on the Serengeti hiding in the tall grass. He quietly slipped from aisle to aisle trying to make it to the breakroom then Castle and safety.
"There you are son," said Big Mike as he walked up behind him. Morgan jumped. "I'm sorry did I scare you? I have been looking for you when did you come in?"
"Scared? No I always jump like that. I guess I forgot to stay down wind," said Morgan. He saw Big Mike's perplexed look. "It's nothing. What did you want?"
"You need to talk with your boy, John Casey, that boy's been a little wound up lately. He keeps mumbling something about an itchy finger. Then there was the incident with one of those weirdos dressed up like Ninja... an idiot left over from Comic con..."
"Oh no I think I can see how this is going? At least tell me he provoked John in some way so we won't have to worry about a lawsuit."
"The idiot threw a plastic death star at John and... well the guy can go next year to Comic con as Mickey mouse. He's got the voice for it now."
"I'll handle him don't worry about it. You can go on with whatever it was you were doing. Where's he at?" asked Morgan as he looked around for John.
"The last I saw him he was in the breakroom. Oh I'm going to need to get off early today so can you lock up. I've got a medical appointment I can't miss."
"Is everything okay? You don't look sick. You know if you need a lift to go to the doctor's I can have Skip or Fernando give you a ride in a herder."
"No it's not that kind of medical appointment. I bought your mother a sexy nurse's outfit and when I get home we're going to play doctor. By the way this evening wouldn't be a good time to drop by if you know what I mean. Your mamma is muy caliente when she tells me to cough."
"Geez no, stab me in the eye with a fork," said Morgan. Just then Chuck strolled in. "Chuck, thank goodness you're here."
"So you've got lock up," said Big Mike as he walked off. Chuck and Morgan heard him talking to himself. "Is there a doctor in the house?"
"Do I want to know do I?" asked Chuck as they watched Big Mike walk away.
"I wish I didn't," said Morgan as he waved Chuck to follow him. "You need to help me with John. He's going stir crazy talking about his itchy trigger finger and fighting ninjas," said Morgan. He caught Chuck's look. "That's another thing you probably don't want to know about. How's Sarah doing? It's almost time."
"Yeah you're probably right and I'm as excited as I was when Sam was born," said Chuck as they walked into the breakroom. Chuck went over to the lockers while Morgan checked to make sure the coast was clear then they were in the elevator going down to Castle.
"Morning John," said Chuck as he and Morgan walked in but John was too busy in the armory getting things together to answer.
"John, we need to talk," said Morgan. "I know waiting for this thing with the General to blow over is taking a while but you can't go around making new sopranos for the choir. What are you doing anyway?"
"I'm getting ready to bug out of here. I can feel a mission coming on. Chuck you didn't tell him about the news," said John. Morgan looked at Chuck.
"There was an attempted assassination in Costa Gravas," said Chuck. "But John that doesn't mean the General is going to tap us for this. I think she's still a little upset with you guys..."
"I don't think she's too happy with you either especially after your friend let Ettore slip through her fingers," said Casey as he was trying to decide which handgun to take then he opted for both.
"The difference is I don't care. I told her I was taking time off to be with Sarah until the baby was born and I meant it. If she calls me I'll remind her of that."
"Well Chuck, you just might have to," said Morgan as he point to one of the monitors. "Isn't that the General up there walking through the Buy More?"
"Oh no I told her no and no is no," said Chuck as he went over to the elevator and rode it up. Chuck walked out of the breakroom then went straight for her. "Good morning ma'am if you have computer problems I'll be more than happy to send one of my assistants from the Nerd herd."
"Cut the crap Chuck. I need you to come with me it's urgent," said the General as she pretended to look at merchandise.
"So is everything we deal with but this time I'm going to have to pass. Sarah had to go to the hospital the last time I was out and I'm not going to risk that now with her delivery date being so close. So thanks but no thanks. If you need someone Casey is chomping at the bit you can use him."
"Listen Alejandro Goya has asked for you personally. Your country is calling you too so I need you to man up here."
"Man up? Oh you... you... well if you come back in thirty days we might be able to work something out but until then you can tell the Premier I'm sorry to hear about what happened to him but the same way he needs to think about his wife and baby I need to do the same with mine. If he's really concerned about her safety he should bring her to the states to deliver. Now if you'll excuse me I think I'm going next door for a yoghurt. You're welcome to join me if you want. It might take the sting out of being turned down."
With that Chuck left the Buy More but as he left he almost bumped into the Major between the automatic doors. Chuck nodded to him as he walked past.
"How'd it go Ma'am? From the way he walked past me I don't think it went the way you expected," said the Major. "You asked me to find out where the other Agent Carmichael's at. She's been sighted at Baby Bed, Cribs and more."
"Good we'll go talk to her about coming with us to Chicago. If we can get her then we'll get Chuck too. You never say no to a General."