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

In a dark building in an old Eastern European town the symbols of fallen regimes and their icons lay about waiting for the foundry furnace. Black smoke filled the air returning to the ground in the form of acid rain. A black sedan with tinted windows parked and four men got out in dark suits and overcoats. They walked past soot covered men who continued with their work paying them no attention. When they got to a freight elevator they rode it down to the furnaces. There waiting for them was a group of men in similar dress.

"Frank, come stand in front of us," said one of the men. Frank looked around his first thoughts were to run but he had no place to run to so he walked out and stood in the middle before the board.

"You've disappointed us, Frank and you know what happens to people who disappoint. Your superior here Mr. Johannsson sent you to retrieve the canisters of atroxium."

"That's right," said this Mr. Johannsson stepping forward from the circle to faced Frank. "He was just supposed to retrieve the canisters from the Doctor per my... I mean per our agreement with Wheelwright but instead he got himself involved in this lame coup attempt that went sideways."

"Well yes," said Frank thinking his boss had just thrown him under the bus. "I was also trying to get us a steady supply from a reliable source. Dr. Wheelwright proved to be problematic, which is generous. The truth is the man was certifiably insane."

"Yes we understand that," said the man as he nodded to the man next to him. Johannsson was about to say something when a man behind him slipped a garrote over his head and strangled him there in front of Frank. "This isn't you because your Mr. Johannsson didn't check the product. It turns out Wheelwright sold him helium. He never had that much atroxium and what he did have he used himself."

"I knew he was too crazy to trust..." Franks started to say but the man held up his hand stopping him.

"That's why you're still alive and I can make you this offer. It seems an opening in middle management has just become vacant, we want to take over. As your first assignment we have a project that needs to be handled in Costa Gravas. It's all yours," said the man as a couple of the soot covered foundry workers gathered Johannsson's body then threw it in the furnace.

"It will be an honor," said Frank thinking that this must be what hell was like but like the man said once you start riding on the tiger's back you're afraid to dismount.

"You've seen the price of failure," said the man, "so I don't need to tell you there'll be consequences if you fail."

"I think you just did."

"I guess I did. Well go, everything you need to know is in the car waiting to take you to the airport. Don't disappoint us again."

"No sir, I won't," said Frank as he quickly got out and as he was told there was a car waiting for him. Inside he found along with a binder outlining the initiative his new assistant.

"Marcus, sir it's a pleasure to meet you," said the man as he handed Frank a folder. "This will explain what we're doing in Costa Gravas. If you have any questions I hope I can answer them for you."

"Thank you," said Frank. His last mission might not have been successful but now he had his own assistant. A far cry from when he was the gopher boy. But quickly as he was reading the dossier he saw no one had done him any favors. "Excuse me why did you bring the bird down so near the command site"

"The spy satellite was getting dangerously close to seeing our operations and it had to be removed before our adversaries at Fort Meade caught on to what we were up to. Yes, there were some miscalculations in the trajectory but the job had to be done."

"I bet there were a lot of holy craps when you saw where it dropped. But how could our scientists make such an error? Never mind I'll talk with them when I get there. I want this Juan Pablo Turrini to meet me when I arrive."

"You mean El Comandante," corrected Marcus. "He likes to be called by his former title as ex-head of the Costa Gravan Secret Police. I'll put in the request."

"Request? I'm not asking for an audience this isn't a request it's an order. He should be used to orders being El Comandante," said Frank getting angry. Who does he think he is?"

"He seems more used to giving than receiving and we need him to pull this off. He's our candidate in the upcoming election."

"I still don't know why you brought the bird down so close to the Command Center miscalculations or not. I understand it was getting close but no one thought the Americans would come looking for it?"

"It was brought down then was immediately destroyed before anyone could track it down or see how we brought it down. You'll find that annotated in the last chapter along with photos."

"That was a shame," said Frank as he handed Marcus back the binder. "All that intel going to waste we could've made a pretty penny off it. I guess there wasn't much left salvageable in the wreckage."

The sedan pulled up in the hanger letting Frank and Marcus out. They immediately boarded the chartered Lear and took off. Once in the air Frank got up and inspected the bar where he found a five year old Glengrant. It was drinkable as single malts go but if he was going to run with the big dogs he needed to act the role and this wasn't it.

"Marcus you're my personal assistant right? So when I tell you I need something you get it for me, right?" Marcus nodded his head. "Don't worry I'll deal with El Comandante I want you to upgrade our bar. If I have to entertain guests for Hydra I need them to know we're in the same league."

"I see your point. Okay sir, any personal favorites?" said Marcus. Frank was now a sir. He'd spent his short time on Capitol Hill having to call others sir now it was his turned and he liked it. "How about I get you a Johnny Walker Black or a Dewar's 18?"

"That's okay but I was thinking even better more on the lines of a Johnny Walker Blue or a Dewar's signature. Charge it to our operating budget for the project," said Frank as he poured them both a drink. "Cheers," said Frank as he raised his glass Marcus returned the toast then they began the long flight to Costa Gravas.

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After the mission Casey took Kat and then headed back to Burbank. There they fell back into their routine of Buy More, Castle, home. It was almost like being normal and normal was nice for a change. In the evenings he'd stop by and grab a pie then stop off at Kat's where she'd have supper ready. After supper they'd eat desert and talk. Sometimes Alex and Morgan would drop by and this was routine until the inevitable happened.

"Chuck, you should see the Big Guy," said Morgan. He was talking to Chuck on the secure net. "You should see the Big Guy. He's living the American dream and the strange thing is he seems to like it."

"I'm glad to hear that. We're going to be here probably for another week. El is running every test she can think of on me and some I think she just invented. Sarah says hi I know she wanted to say it in person but she's been really tired lately so I'm letting her sleep in."

"No problem, I've got to run, you kind of caught me at a bad moment. Casey and Alex are waiting in the car to go to work so I've got to run. I'll catch you guys later and Chuck it's nice to have my best friend back."

"Thanks little buddy; it's nice to be back although I'll feel better when I'm back in Burbank. Chicago's a little too windy for me."

"Grimes, will you get your butt in gear," yelled Casey. "Tell Chuck to enjoy his vacation but come on, Troll, we've got real work to do like saving the free world.
\

"I got to go," said Morgan as he closed the connection. "I'm coming, I'm coming hold your pants on. What's got you all up in arms this early in the morning anyway?"

"Morgan, the General called and gave Dad a mission. He's flying out this afternoon," said Alex as she looked over at Casey.

"Well, we all knew this was coming," said John. "It's not like it's a surprise. You finish one mission and a new one's always waiting for you. Sitting around here, a person just gets fat and lazy."

"I was going to mention that green shirt of yours was getting a little tight." Casey looked up in the mirror at him and growled. "With muscle I mean... It looks like you've been working out there Big Guy. So what can you tell us about this new mission? Is this one of those where you go in like a super ninja cap a perp then get out? Maybe you're on some super-secret mission to grab a nefarious underworld leader then take him to a black site where you're going to use extraordinary rendition on him to get him to talk?"

"Grimes you and Chuck play too much Assassins Creed. I'm going to find something that got lost and that's about all I can say," said Casey as he dropped Alex and Morgan off at the Buy More. "Grimes stay out of the armory and remember..."

"I know use coasters under my cup or else you're going to make me eat it. Be careful Big Guy catch you on the flip side."

"Yes Dad, be careful," said Alex. She leaned in the window and kissed him on the cheek. Kat came over from her car handing Alex the keys to hers then got in with Casey and they drove off.

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A few weeks later Devon was sitting in his office relaxing after a morning of surgery. Ellie was supposed to meet him for lunch but she was running late. She wanted to give Chuck a complete checkup before they left to go back to Burbank. In a certain sense he was envious of Chuck and Sarah going back to the warmth while they were trapped in the cool springtime of the Windy City. Chicago was a nice city and for the most parts its population friendly but the weather took a little getting used to. Devon was daydreaming looking out the window at the distant Lake Michigan but in his mind he was back at Malibu riding the waves when there was a knock at his door.

"Come in," said Devon as he turned around. But spinning around in his chair he knocked off a photo of Ellie with Clara so he bent over to pick it up as his visitor came in. "Please have a seat," he said from under his desk trying to find where it fell.

"Sorry, I dropped something I'll be right with you. There you are," he said as he found it. "I'm not scheduled for any visits right now so if it's not important..." he started to say as he looked up.

"Dr. Woodcomb, it is of national importance," said General Beckman standing in front his desk. He had to blink twice to make sure it was really her. But she was the only short Air Force General he knew.

"I think you've got the wrong Woodcomb. Ellie's in her office with Chuck and Sarah but they should be about done by now."

"I know I'm going to see them after I'm done with you. I have a proposal for you. How would you and your family like a free all expenses paid government vacation to a nice tropical location with golden beaches and sunny skies."

"Funny, you should say that I was just thinking about a weekend in California. But somehow I don't think you were thinking about Malibu."

"Why go were the masses hangout when you can go to someplace exotic. Someplace where the sun shines down on golden beaches during the day and the Moon shines down on the same beach during sultry nights. A place you can relax and recharge your batteries to return here to work fully energized. You owe this to yourself, your patients and your profession."

"Wait a minute, this sounds nice and everything, but is it safe? I'm not Chuck and I don't want to put my family in peril just to catch a few rays."

"My dear Dr. Woodcomb, just lying in the sun you risk skin cancer and driving to and from work during rush hour is peril in itself."

"Where exactly are you talking about sending us?" said Devon as he connected the dots in his head. Tropical climate, sunny coast, sultry nights... "My God you want us to go to Costa Garvas! The last time I... we went there, there was a coup and we got caught up in it. I got my head shot off... well not me, me... but marble me did and believe me that hurts."

"Devon, I'm afraid Alejandro Goya and Hortencia have asked for you and your wife by name. In a few weeks' time the people of Costa Gravas will have a new constitution. It goes into effect the first of May and the Goyas are throwing a party to celebrate. I'm sorry but your country needs you to accept the invitation and go."

"What part of no don't you understand? Absolutely no way would I... where did you get that," said Devon as the General dropped in front of him a paper he wrote on some research he wanted to do with stem cell manipulation to create replacement heart valves.

"I read it and I have to say I'm impressed. My experts tell me it looks interesting especially if you can eliminate the problem of rejection."

"Yes, if we can use the patient's own stem cells then the tissue would be biologically compatible. The host and donor become one in the same. This also means reducing the number of immunosuppressive drugs that are required and in some cases tapering off, maybe even eliminating them. Not to mention no more waiting for donors. But this is years away and I was turned down for grant money this year."

"What if I told you I knew of some new grant money coming down the road say in a couple of weeks? For the sake of conversation say the funding could be available after your return from Costa Gravas."

"General, are you trying to bribe me into agreeing to go?"

"You say that like it's a bad thing. I call it a win-win. You go with your wife so the Premier is happy with us and you get to do research that could save the lives of many. Who knows there could be a Nobel Prize in your research?"

"I'll have to talk it over with my wife...," said Devon as he was trying to think how he was going to talk Ellie into it. Devon's phone rang it was a message from Ellie saying they were ready to go to lunch. As Devon was about to say he had to go there was another knock on his door and a man in black stepped inside.

"General, we have a situation," said the agent.

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Ellie ran Chuck through just about every test know to modern medicine. She had him take CAT scans, EKG, EEGs, and a whole host of tests which meant he and Sarah were stuck in Chicago with Sam for what seemed an eternity. Chuck just wanted this to be over so they could start the vacation Beckman had promised. Also Sarah was looking tired after their ordeal, which underlined for him their need to get away. The person who really liked their prolonged stay was Sam because Clara and her treated each other like the sister neither had.

"So have you guys decided where you're going on vacation?" asked Ellie as they rode the elevator down to the lobby.

"No but I want to find some nice beach somewhere with perpetual sun. Oh and they have those tropical drinks with fruit and little umbrellas."

"Now you sound like Morgan," said Ellie as she laughed but Sarah didn't. "Sarah, do you feel okay? You look a little pale and tired. I know you've been through a lot it would be no problem for me to have a look at you?"

"No, I'm all right just a little tired. I think I didn't digest that pizza we had last night too well. How long was it in the fridge?"

"We did order it two days ago and it got warmed up twice. Are you sure you're okay?" said Ellie as she felt Sarah's forehead. "You don't have a fever. There's no reason why we have to go out for lunch if you don't want to."

"Nonsense I'll be fine and besides we head back to Burbank early tomorrow. The kids are with Mary and... and... oh my God when is this elevator going to stop," said Sarah as the doors opened and she ran to the bathroom. Chuck and Ellie went after her.

"Little brother you have to wait here," said Ellie as Chuck was about to go into the ladies room. "Sarah, honey, are you okay," asked Ellie as she heard the sound of flushing then she came out of the stall and went to the sink to wash up.

"I'm so sorry I lost it. I really should just go home but don't let me stop you three from going out. I'll be fine I just need to get some sleep. I might be coming down with something."

"Sarah, when was the last time you had your period? You understand why I'm asking. You're tired and you've got morning sickness."

"That's not possible... we... well it's not possible," she said as she counted back the days in her head. "No it can't be."

"Listen, if you let me draw a little blood we can exclude it. The test doesn't take long and it will give you peace of mind."

"No... No, it's not necessary and I'm starting to feel better already. It had to be the pizza," said Sarah as she brushed past Ellie.

"Are you okay," said Chuck as he put his arm around her. "I'm sorry this is my fault..."

"You can say that..." mumbled Ellie behind them.

"I know it is," said Chuck as he gave Ellie a strange look and she just shrugged her shoulders. "I was thinking we could get something and take it home. Remember we found that place that serves messy cheese burgers downtown."

"If that's what you guys want then go for it. The pickles sound good but I don't know about the cheese burger right now. We've got Nutella and bananas at home I'll make a sandwich or something."

"Or we can have an ice cream lunch," said Devon as he came up behind them. "You can make a Nutella banana split."

"See everyone thinks I married him for his body," said Ellie as she kissed him. "But he's handsome and smart too."

"Oh hon, if you keep that up I might get a big head."

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In the sun soaked country of Costa Gravas the beloved Premier was even more beloved walking around the palace talking to everyone and shaking the hands of everyone he met asking about their families and friends. He drove his security personnel crazy with his impromptu walks in the local market meeting merchants and businessmen in their places of work. Talking to housewives about what they thought about prices and asking them for the recipe for a perfect home.

"Mi amor what are you doing? The Captain of your guard came to me saying he was concerned for your safety. You can't just walk around in public like you do shaking everyone's hand."

"I'm practicing for the upcoming elections and I've got some good recipes for Sopa de Mondongo that you really need to try."

"That's made with tripe," said Hortencia as she turned three shades of green then turned to a vase and heaved up in it."

"I guess I won't be putting any flowers in that one. I'm getting tired of waiting to say anything about our niña or niño and what if they're twins. I feel I'm bubbling over with joy and I want to share it with the world."

"Isn't it enough you shared it with me? I didn't get this way by myself. I know, I know I was just joking with you. Your General friend hasn't gotten back to us yet with word about the Woodcombs."

"She might be upset with me because I haven't been able to find her satellite. They spend billions of dollars on the things then don't give them change to call home."

"What?" said Hortencia wondering if the beloved Premier hadn't spent too much time under the sun wandering about looking for recipes to make her heave? "Then let's grab the bull by the horns and send a messenger straight to the Woodcombs. We can offer them our hospitality and they're both doctors so telling them would be like me talking to my doctor."

"So I could share my joy with the," said Alejandro as he kissed her.

"Just make sure that's all you share."

"Hortencia, mi corazón, I have eyes only for you," said the Premier as he took her hands. "Your radiant beauty blinds me to all other women."

"Yeah and that's what a governor of California said as he tried to stuff the ballots. When they talk about free elections is that just another way of saying consensual?"

"I never thought about it like that," said Alejandro as he scratched his head.

"And let's keep it that way."