I'm probably going to finish this up ahead of real time, my own schedule is to blame, as I have time now, won't later in the year.
No reviews of Chapter 6 yet, I was hoping someone would guess what Sarah's disgusting 'mission' was. Too late now, as I'm forging ahead, please enjoy, Chapter 7, Chuck versus Deepthroat.
This turned out to be a big chapter, full of shout outs, references, and all sorts of other stuff. Deepthroat itself is a shout out to one of the biggest, more or less unsolved political mysteries in US politics.
I start with a little tribute to the Beatles in the first section, the lyrics describe the state of one General John Casey almost to the word:
Help, I need somebody,
Help, not just anybody,
Help, you know I need someone, help.
When I was younger, so much younger than today,
I never needed anybody's help in any way.
But now these days are gone, I'm not so self assured,
Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the doors.
Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being round.
Help me, get my feet back on the ground,
Won't you please, please help me.
And now my life has changed in oh so many ways,
My independence seems to vanish in the haze.
But every now and then I feel so insecure,
I know that I just need you like I've never done before.
Then, Sarah steals a line from the movie 'Walk the Line', a movie I'm a huge fan of, as well as the actress who delivered the line, Reese Weatherspoon. Anyone identify the line?
In the next section, we advance to another classic movie reference, with a section called 'The Sting', in this case Chuck, Sarah and Casey plan and pull off the sting.
The mystery man makes another short appearance, take note of that.
And that's just half way through. Lot's more follows.
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Help, 10/9/2012, 11 AM, Casey's Office in DC
General Casey, I know you said you didn't want to see any visitors, but Mr and Mrs Bartowski are in the lobby to see you.
Casey paused for a moment, and grumbled to himself, "As if I don't have enough trouble, now I have to babysit those two lovebirds. " Then he begrudgingly responded to his aide, "Send them up, they can go straight into my office. I'll be in my office momentarily."
Chuck and Sarah were already in his office when Casey arrived.
"Chuck, nice to see you." Casey said as shook Chuck's hand very firmly, with respect.
He then looked at Sarah and hugged Sarah, longer and harder than he ever did. Almost like it might be the last time. "Sarah, you're looking even better than last time, if that's possible, motherhood agrees with you."
"Thanks John." Sarah replied as she caught herself blushing, then she quickly dismissed the feeling with the thought, 'I don't blush'.
Casey sat in his chair and spoke, "I love both of you for showing up here, but I thought I told you to stay out of this. Go home and take care of those three babies. Do what I didn't do with mine. Plus, neither of you are up for this. You are not mentally or physically prepared for what needs to be done."
"For now, our babies are fine General. We came here to help our friends, you and Alex. And we might not be perfect spies right now, but we have proven to be loyal and to do what it takes." Chuck said in a very defiant, not take no for an answer.
Sarah took stock at how much she enjoyed watching how assertive her husband was becoming, as she added, "The only way we're leaving is if you arrest us. And that wouldn't be too good for you image right now, now would it?"
"Grrrhhh. Smart Sarah. If you'd have called ahead, I'd have said no way. But now that you're here, you know I couldn't refuse seeing you. But please, go back to LA. This is bad business here. I'm surrounded by the enemy, and I'm out of bullets. Why join the fight that's already lost?" Casey responded realizing the pair was breaking him down, especially given how much he needed their help.
"Casey, then I'd say we arrived just in time, didn't we?" Sarah had that defiant jaw look, that both men recognized, the look that preceded action that had saved both their lives countless times … the look that indeed did what needed to be done.
"And luckily, we have lots of bullets, even if mine are the tranq variety." Chuck knew how to break the tension in the team. "And if you're questioning the team around you, I can do some tech work that might help."
"Please John, let us help, not just for you, but for Alex." Sarah added.
Casey sat forward on his chair, then looked his two best friends right in the eye, first Sarah, then Chuck, then Sarah again, finally he spoke, "I never used to need anybody's help, but now I do. I appreciate that you came, and how committed you are to Alex and me. But this might get really ugly, I'm talking prison time or even execution. We're going to have to fight dirty to beat this. Are you sure?"
Chuck looked at Sarah, who nodded at Chuck, as the pair simultaneously blurted out, "We are, whatever it takes."
Casey hit a button with his big screen investigation notes, then he said to Chuck and Sarah, "Well, then let's get started, Team B is back in business for one last mission. Here's what I have so far. The key to finding Alex, along with flushing out the big rats in this entire mess, if to identify who Yessir is. I'm pretty sure he's one of my men. Once we do that, I will detain and interrogate him myself, alone, and get him to tell me where Alex is, along with giving up his boss or bosses."
With that, Team B went to work.
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Mrs B's Not Happy with Her 'Mission', 10/11/2012, 9 PM, Casey's Office in DC
Team B worked for more than two straight days without leaving Casey's office. Casey was in and out attending meetings and such, but Chuck and Sarah remained in his office, sifting, sorting, hacking, and brainstorming.
Casey stood back from the board the team was working from, scanned the board one last time, then said to Team B, "OK then, we have a plan. Now the two of you, I booked you in a hotel that is safer than most. But still, be careful. Go get some rest, and get ready for the mission tomorrow."
Sarah still had reservations, "Casey, are you sure I should be the one to do this? I haven't played this role in a long, long time. It's degrading and humiliating."
"I'm sure it would be Sarah. I never had to do that, even when I was in training. I wasn't the type, if you know what I mean. But, it'll be fine. Now go get some rest. Oh, and remember the secret street access to my office in case you need to get in here covertly, should something happen to me."
Sarah wanted to keep complaining about the mission, but Chuck put his arm around Sarah and whisked her out of Casey's office, as this issue was decided. He turned to Sarah and said, "You know, I'd do your part if I could, but given what needs to be done, that wouldn't work out, would it?"
"No, it wouldn't." Sarah meekly smiled as she replied. "I think I'm more upset that this is what I might be best at right now. It's humiliating. I used to be, possibly, the world's best spy. Now I'm not."
"It'll be fine. Let's take Casey's advice and get some sleep. We'll take turns, just in case." Chuck was good at changing the subject when his wife was upset.
"Sounds like a plan. YOU are becoming pretty good at this spy stuff Mr Bartowski." Sarah suddenly was in a better mood. Maybe it was being back in the exciting life of being a spy?
"Well, I did learn from the BEST, now didn't I?" Chuck's dancing eyebrows were in play, he couldn't help himself, just being around Sarah made them stand on end.
"Why Mr Bartowski, if I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying to seduce me." Sarah had that way of picking up on Chuck's actions, and heating things up with her husband at just the right time, with just the right words.
"I wouldn't do such a thing. But if I was, is it working?" Chuck had the biggest nerd grin showing that he had maybe since Alex was kidnapped.
"Maybe baby. You'll find out soon enough." Sarah flashed her full seductress smile back at her husband. As the couple walked arm and arm toward their hotel room, the last thing on their mind was to follow Casey's advice about getting some rest.
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The Sting, 10/12/2012, 6 PM, NSA Meeting in DC
Casey took his own advice, as he got a great night's rest himself, for maybe the first time since Alex was abducted. The next day, Casey was back to being his usual, forceful self, with a commanding presence .
Casey gathered all of his agents who could possibly be linked to late the next afternoon. He made a simple announcement to them all.
"Mrs Bartwoski was contacted by Deepthroat. Yes, that mythical person that has eluded discovery since the 70's. He or she has volunteered to tell Mrs B who kidnapped Alec, and who is behind the Olympic bombing in London, as well as provide her evidence. He has set up a meet at a local pub within the hour. Deepthroat's one condition is that we have no surveillance around the pub, and Mrs B agreed to honor that request, as do I. If anyone follows Mrs B and myself on this mission, I will consider it treason. What happened to those two agents in LA will pale in comparison with what I will do to you if I catch you following us, so go about your jobs and let us do ours. Once she debriefs me on what Deepthroat has to say, I'll gather the team, and we'll proceed accordingly, to end this case once and for all."
With that, Casey took no questions. He quickly left the room and went back to his office to find Sarah waiting for him.
"Do you think they bought it?" Sarah asked.
"They seemed shocked. No one of them seemed any different than the rest. I don't know." Casey replied.
"Deepthroat, that's the most ridiculous thing Chuck has ever talked us into. Casey, we're two of the best spies in the world, if Deepthroat existed, you or I would know about it. I can't believe we're trying to pull this off." Sarah was shaking her head at the notion of Deepthroat, plus she was still in a foul mood over her role in the mission.
Casey, who learned how to handle Sarah, long before Chuck did, quickly changed the subject, "Is Chuck all set with the surveillance equipment?"
Sarah responded with a report, "Chuck has everything in place to run the op, he found a great place adjacent to Artisan's. He is monitoring everything as we speak. Plus, the bad guys don't have any time to react, they will be free wheeling it, should they show up."
"Well then, let's go to Artisan's. When we leave, the whole office will see us walk out. That should draw the rats out of their holes. Madam, may I take your arm please?" Casey tried to act charming as he extended his arm in a formal manner, not exactly a role he was made for.
"OK, I'll take your arm, I guess. I still don't see why I have to be the MAGNET. I'm never the magnet. Being the magnet sucks." Sarah made a 'vomit' face.
"Just shut up with that magnet stuff. You said you'd do anything. God. You'd think I asked you to sleep with someone to catch Yessir." Casey had a look on his face he normally reserved for Chuck.
"That might be preferable. The magnet. Yuck." Sarah still looked ready to hurl until the General and she stepped out of his office. On the General's arm, Sarah Bartowski, AKA 'The Magnet', put a big smile on her face as they exited the building for all to see.
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Black Get's Rattled, 10/12/2012, 6:10 PM, Black's Office
White came in to see Black huddled in a meeting. "Sir, I see you're busy. This is important." White spoke up.
Black turned, "Just one moment White, I want to finish up here." Black then turned to his mysterious guest, "You think they are the only two who know?"
"For sure sir." The mystery man replied.
"OK, we'll deal with them in the next few days. Now go, get back to our base and finish up the project. No more monkey business. You hear?" Black said.
The mystery man walked through the side entrance and vanished.
"Now then White my good man, what can I do for you?" Black asked.
White replied, "Yessir just called. You're not going to believe this. Mrs Bartowski is on her way to a meet with Deepthroat."
Black stood up and got in White's face, "Deepthroat. Damn. Deepthroat might be the only person in Washington who can stop us. This is bad."
White was surprised by his boss's reaction, "Sir. You don't really think Deepthroat exists? Do you?"
Black replied in a very serious manner, "Exist. I know he or she exists. I met him or her. Used some sort of voice scrambler. Was behind a wall, I could only see a shadow."
White was intrigued, "What did he or she say?"
Black replied, "Told me that if I proceeded with this Doomsday affair, that he or she would stop me. I pressed my panic button to catch him or her, but when my people arrived, he or she vanished. Anyhow, tell Yessir to follow the General and Mrs Bartwoski. Have a complete squad of our loyalists surround the building once they determine where. If Deepthroat is there, I want him caught."
"Or her?" White was trying to be clever.
"Huh?" Black was not impressed.
"Sir, We don't know if Deepthroat is a man or woman, hence him or her?" White was confusing himself.
"Shut up White. For goodness sakes man, you are a fool. Just do it. Now get out of here." Black turned his back on White, leaving White standing there dumbfounded by the verbal abuse he took. Then he walked away to do his master's bidding.
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Mrs Magnet, 10/12/2012, 6:30 PM, Artisan's Pub
"So let me get this straight. You want me to walk into the pub, go to the place Chuck and I scouted out, and do nothing, while Chuck observes with his video equipment and you stay hidden watching and waiting for Yessir?
"Exactly." Casey was ignoring Sarah and already looking for signs of Yessir.
"OK. Fine." Sarah could say the word 'fine' in such a manner it was downright scary. "But, I'm never making Morgan be the magnet again. It sucks."
"Enough with that. Are you all set Mrs Magnet?" Casey decided to stick the needle in Sarah with a teasing jab.
"Oh Casey, I'm so going to pay you back for this. But yes, I'm all set, I AM Mrs Magnet after all." With that, Sarah walked inside, while Casey disappeared.
Sarah walked in, at first like she would have five years earlier, essentially like a call girl. After two or three steps, she stopped, and said to herself, no, this isn't right. Play the role, you're a spinster DC executive assistant, you're certainly dressed like one. Sarah stopped her aggressive stride and posture, and replaced it with more gingerly taken steps and a submissive, subdued posture.
"There. Perfect." Sarah found the spot at the bar open, just where her and Chuck had planned, close to the exit, and right next to a small wall.
Sarah sat down. She felt somewhat self conscious, for real, she thought to herself, "Crap. Lucky I'm not playing a call girl. I'm nervous. I never get nervous. I'm starting to act like Mrs Magnet for real. I hate this."
Sarah took her first sip of her vodka gimlet. Sarah heard Chuck on the com, "Casey, I spotted a potential tail on you and Sarah. He placed a phone call that was encrypted to somewhere in the White House, once you entered Artisan's, and now turned around, he's heading back in the direction of the NSA. I'm running facial recognition, I got it, his name is 'Chip Wallace'. Casey, I'm sorry, he is one of your agents."
Casey replied to the team, "Chuck, Sarah, go back to the hotel. This is MY business now. Sarah, you remember how you felt when you went to Thailand, that's how I feel now. I'm sure you understand. I'll contact you when I'm finished. Thanks for all your help."
Sarah answered, "I understand John. Be careful. We'll see you soon. Chuck, I'll meet you at the hotel."
"Sarah, are you sure we should let Casey handle this alone." Chuck understood what went on when he was kidnapped, so he understood a little, still he had to ask.
Sarah replied firmly, "I am Chuck. Trust me. This is something Casey has to do on his own."
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Deepthroat? Really? No, It Can't Be?, 10/12/2012, 6:45 PM, Artisan's Pub
"All this magnet BS I went through, and that was it." Sarah whispered to herself. All of a sudden, a professional man in his mid forties sat next to her, someone Sarah recognized as a White House staffer. I'll take a vodka martini, and get this lovely creature another of whatever she is having. "Hi gorgeous."
"No thanks. One's my limit. I'm meeting my husband in a few minutes. I'm late actually, but thanks for the offer." Sarah couldn't believe this moron showed up.
"Well, today's your lucky day. Come on sweetheart. I know why you're here and what you want. You can have two drinks instead of one, and spend time meeting an interesting man your own age. How cool is that?"
"Your own age. You gotta be what, forty five? Divorced? Boring low paying job? Mortgage too big for what you can afford in some dingy four room condo in the city? Trolling for someone to sleep with most nights but settling for your own company, or paid company? That's how cool that is. You disgust me." Sarah was in a bad mood, and this loser made matters worse.
The pickup artist returned fire, "I love fiery middle aged woman, and I see you have lots there to pound into from behind. I'll bet you were a real looker in your day before the weight gain thing." With that the man reached for Sarah's bottom.
Sarah grabbed for the man's wayward hand before it made contact. She planned on pinning his wrist backward, so not to create a commotion, just creating a great deal of pain. Instead, as she reached, she fell off her bar stool, onto the floor.
The man laughed at her, and said, "Here, let me help you up. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. Most woman who come here alone are looking for company. Some like me to be aggressive."
Sarah was about to slap his hand away, when the extended hand was abruptly put behind the man's back. Three other armed secret service agent surrounded the man, while one attended to Sarah.
"Let me help you up Mrs Bartowski. Sorry we didn't subdue him sooner. Are you OK?" One of the agents politely gave Sarah a hand.
"Sure I'm fine. Who are you?" Sarah was angry, mostly about how inept she was as an agent, or how good she was as a magnet, take your pick really.
"We're Secret Service. We got wind of your meet with Deepthroat. As soon as he approached, we closed in to arrest him. Thanks for your help."
"OK, I understand. I'm a mess. I need to go freshen up. Excuse me." Sarah knew enough of what was going on, that she quickly departed out the exit behind the wall.
As she made it outside, she checked for tails. She was followed, but she quickly lost the tail, and headed to her hotel.
Chuck was in the lobby of the hotel to meet her as she arrived. Chuck gave her a big hug, which was greatly appreciated by her. "Sarah. I was worried, you're late. Are you OK? What happened?"
"Funniest thing Chuck, some low life troll tried to pick me up. Disgusting sort of guy. By then the place was crawling with Secret Service. They must have thought he was Deepthroat. They arrested him. I slipped away, and slipped my tail. So here I am." Sarah answered, still visibly annoyed by the last hour's events more than anything.
"You sure you're OK? You look like something's wrong?" Chuck could tell.
"Chuck, Casey was right making me the magnet. I'm not a spy any longer. I'm uncomfortable doing things that I used to do without any hesitation. I guess it's the trade off of becoming a 'normal' girl. Normal girls don't attend meetings with super secret spies, or handle creepy marks making passes at them, or beat people up, or use knives, or shoot people." Sarah exhaled as she finished.
"You're just out of practice. You'll be fine. How long before the Secret Service figures out that fool isn't Deepthroat?" Chuck asked Sarah as he again changed the subject.
"Who knows? Maybe never. Capturing Deepthroat would be a feather in Black's hat. I'm pretty sure they could lock him up and throw away the key." Sarah was not relishing that idea, as the guy was innocent of that crime, even if he was a disgusting shell of a man.
"Geez. What kind of world do we live in Sarah?" Chuck was also turned off by this turn of events.
"Not a very good one right now Chuck. Not a very good one." Sarah replied as both of them stared straight ahead. Little did they know how true those words were going to prove out to be.
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A Life for a Life, 10/12/2012, 7:15 PM, just outside NSA Interrogation Room
After Agent Wallace's call, the Secret Service quickly moved in to capture the so-called Deepthroat. Agent Wallace quickly returned to NSA headquarters before he was missed, not realizing Chuck had spotted him.
Casey called ahead to his men, and had Wallace detained as soon as he arrived. When Casey walked in a few minutes later, he found Wallace sitting in one of the interrogation rooms.
Chip Wallace, a small, school teacher-like looking middle aged man, was an ordinary agent. He always did what he was told, no questions asked, and came up through the ranks in the agency, mostly through longevity and kissing lots of backsides. Over the years, he'd gotten in dozens of disputes within the community, but because of his brown nosing style, upper management always came to his rescue. Unlike past regimes, Casey had no respect or tolerance for Wallace, and had already demoted him once.
"Wallace, I should have known." were Casey's first words to the little fellow. "You weren't even on my short list. You don't have enough stones for this type of operation. Tell me who's in charge, and I'll be easy on you."
"Don't bother John. I'll be out of here quicker than you could spell you own last name. Assuming you know how." Wallace, even at his nicest, was one of the most annoying people God had ever made.
But still, no sooner had Wallace's taunting words come out, when Casey's phone rang. It was President Black. Casey turned his back on Wallace and took the phone call as he walked out of the room.
Wallace laughed at Casey as he walked away and called out after him, "See, even quicker than I thought, I can do or say anything, my people will take care of me."
Black began, "General. Great job with the investigation, especially today. We're very impressed. That Deepthroat thing was a touch of genius. Turned out to be a home run for my team, but yet, you threw a great pitch, I'm just better at this than you are.
General, your country owes you a debt of gratitude for your past service, as well as for the mission you will take on next. Ollie North did the same sort of thing for Reagan back in the day, everything worked out fine for him. This will all pass for you too, if you play your cards right. I realize I hold all the cards, and you would do anything I say because of the cards I hold, but I'm a reasonable man, this is what I have in mind.
First off, your story will be that your daughter was taken away by your men, which is true. Their mission was to give you an excuse to turn NSA focus away from the bombing, also true, well sort of. You got upset when you saw they carried the beating too far, and you executed them, again, part true, you were upset after all. Plus, killing them eliminated the trail of evidence for the London bombing, which it did, just worked out for me, not for you. As I said, I'm better at this than you.
Second, I'll protect the Bartowski's, as long as they don't meddle in my affairs too much. I mean, they can even meddle a little, just not too much. I no longer have any quarrel with them. I was going to use Sarah and the babies to negotiate with you originally, but Mrs Bartowski is a stubborn woman, isn't she?
Third, you'll sign the document being delivered to you as we speak. The document admits your guilt as the mastermind in the planning and execution of the First Bank of London bombing, along with your guilt for the two agents executed. You will take the blame. Again, all the evidence supports your guilt, all the documents, receipts, surveillance, video, witness testimony will support the same.
Lastly, you'll answer no questions. You will say this document covers your statement. You'll go to jail for a while. Then, you can write a few books. Heck, you might make more money than the Bartowski's by the time the dust settles.
That's the deal. One time offer. Expires in thirty seconds. Oh, and your daughter will lose a finger for every thirty seconds that passes after time expires. If you say yes, she'll be in the Bartowski's hotel suite in a matter of seconds." President Black finished with his speech, then added as obnoxiously as he could, "Tic toc, tic toc, twenty eight seconds remain."
Casey didn't hesitate as he signed immediately, as he immediately replied to Black on the phone, "I did as you asked, It's over."
"That's what I like about you General, you don't waste time. Good, I just nodded at my man, your Alex should be running up the hotel stairs in seconds. My men are going to walk you out of the building in a moment, but first call the Bartowski's to let them know Alex is coming home, and verify she returned safely. Once you're sure she's safe, explain to them they need to go home. After the call, I expect you to honor your side of this bargain, and then I'll honor mine." Black was pleased with the deal he brokered.
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The Trade, 10/12/2012, 7:18 PM, Chuck and Sarah's Hotel Room
Chuck's phone rang, Chuck saw the caller ID and said to Sarah. "Sarah, it's Casey. That was quick."
Sarah got close to Chuck so she could hear too as Chuck answered.
"Chuck, this is John. Alex should be knocking on the door in less than a minute. Tell me when she does."
"Casey, is everything OK?" Chuck asked.
"Chuck, everything will be perfect, just tell me that Alex is safe. Take her home as soon as she arrives. Part of the deal here is that you return to LA. If you don't Alex, Sarah, the babies, everyone will be killed. Promise to go home now. And keep Alex and Morgan safe. Do it better than I did. I know you can. Do what you have to do to keep everyone safe. Now promise you will." Casey's words sounded scary.
Tears were welling up in Chuck's eyes as he had a pretty good idea what was going on. "I will Casey." Chuck looked up to Sarah and said, "Sarah, check the hall. Casey told me Alex is coming."
"I'm right on it." Sarah ran out to the hall, gun drawn. When she got in the hall, she saw Alex running toward her.
"Sarah!" Alex ran into Sarah's arms sobbing, part from joy, part from being scared. Sarah blanketed her arm around Alex and shielded her as they jointly ran into the room.
"Chuck, she's here. She's safe." Sarah called out as they entered the room.
"Casey did you hear that?" Chuck asked Casey over the phone.
Casey replied, "I did. Goodbye Chuck."
The next thing Chuck heard was a 'Click'. Casey was no longer on the phone.
Chuck set the phone to his heart, and said, "Goodbye Casey," as tears were running fully down his cheeks.
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The Long Walk, 10/12/2012, 7:20 PM, NSA DC Office
Casey was taken into custody by the president's men. Wallace was untied at the same time Casey's hands were tied behind his back. When Casey was defenseless, Wallace grabbed a rifle one of the soldiers had, and laced Casey right in the jaw with the butt end of the rifle. "That's for years of disrespect." Wallace said in a high pitched voice, whileCasey flinched, but did not give an inch.
"Huuuggghhhmmm. That all you got? Little weasel." Casey stood defiant.
The soldiers didn't care for such antics that Wallace just pulled, and they quickly marched Casey out of the interrogation area away from the cowardly little man.
"Make sure you march him through the main office area. That's an order." Wallace called out to Casey's entourage. The troops had to go out of their way to march Casey in that direction, Wallace's intent was to humiliate the General in front of all the people he commanded with honor. As he came through the main office, dozens of his people stared at the sight, many with hands to mouth, most with tears in their eyes, helpless to do anything but stand in shock.
President Black came on over the monitor on every com at the NSA as Casey was still walking through the area. "I'm pleased to announced that Chip Wallace has taken over as the acting Director of the NSA. Director Wallace was instrumental in the take down of the ex-Director John Casey and fully supports every action taken by this administration. He is a good man once you get to know him. Mr Casey has confessed to a whole series of crimes, including the bombing of the First Bank of London during the Olympics. He will be dealt with swiftly and without mercy."
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Stranger in the Night, 10/12/2012, 10 PM, Runway at Reagan National
Alex, Chuck and Sarah made haste to the airport.
"Sarah, can I fly back?" Chuck asked, as he now had his pilot's license. Sarah usually piloted and Chuck co-piloted, unless they took the 'Enterprise' (little teaser, going to find out more about the 'Enterprise'), which Chuck piloted.
"Not today Chuck. But your video game background makes you an exceptional pilot." Sarah mustered a little smile thinking of Chuck and his video games.
Chuck's comeback to her quip, "Well then Morgan should be the world's best pilot."
Alex and Sarah both laughed, which was nice for both of them, "That's for sure." Alex replied.
As they boarded, Chuck and Sarah made sure Alex was safe and secure inside the jet.
"Alex, we're going to make a quick sweep of the outside, routine stuff. Are you OK in here alone or you want to come with us?" Chuck asked.
"I'm fine Chuck. Let's hurry and get out of here. I want to get home to see Morgan." Alex replied.
Chuck and Sarah went outside to do a quick sweep of the plane. As they were examining the jet, a small runway vehicle pulled up on the other side of their jet. "What's that?" Chuck asked as Sarah drew her gun.
The vehicle stopped on the other side of the jet, away from Chuck and Sarah. A scrambled voice could be heard over a weak pair of speakers, barely audible. "Mr and Mrs Bartowski stay where you are, don't come over to this side, or I'll leave. Don't be afraid, I'm on your side, I need to talk to you."
"Sorry Mister, you have the wrong couple." Sarah answered hastily, wondering if it was a trap from the administration.
The voice continued, "This all fits together and has meaning, involving the current administration, your friend the General, your babies, and the safety of the entire world. You need to listen."
"OK, you have our attention, but who are you? We don't even know your name." Chuck spoke up now.
"Nor will you ever. This is about the end of the world as we know it. I know when the world ends, December 21st, 2012, but I don't know how, or where, or who. I need you to determine this for me. Then once all the questions are answered, I need you to stop it. That's your new mission."
"Come on, this isn't one of Chuck's Nerd-Fi movies, if you don't tell us who you are, we're leaving," Sarah gave one of her looks, the 'I've had just about enough' looks, especially given her recent adventure at Artisan's.
The strange voice ignored Sarah and continued, "A hit has just been placed on …. " A truck went by masking the sound of the name. "They hold a key to unraveling the first part of this mystery."
But Chuck and Sarah heard it the name. "No way. You gotta be kidding me?" They called out in unison.
The voice responded, "No, I'm dead serious. Hurry, there isn't much time. Take Alex home and leave as soon as possible, you'll barely have time. The hit is supposed to take place on the night of the sixteenth, at the 'Giant Blond Dom Club'. Prevent the hit, and figure out what they know that makes them so valuable."
Chuck asked, "How do we know you're telling us the truth and this isn't a trap?" But no more answers or clues were going to be given, as the vehicle sped off ducking behind another truck then seemingly vanishing. Chuck finished with, "He's gone Sarah."
Sarah took stock of Chuck's contemplative look. "Oh no, oh no, Chuck, you can't, we can't. You can't be taking this serious? We have no idea who that was? You can't be even considering going over there, based on that?"
Chuck gave Sarah one of those looks, "Sar – aaahhh. We have to. They're our friends. Plus. It looks like we've been tasked with saving the world. I don't think we have a choice. Plus, aren't you even the slightest bit curious how those two goofballs could be involved with the end of the world?"
"Oh Alright. But I'm not happy. Not happy at all. I'm not even a good spy any longer. I'm the magnet. Why us?" Sarah continued her very 'old days' Chuck-like behavior that she'd been exhibiting on the entire mission.
"Sarah, are you wearing new perfume?" Chuck thought he had this changing the subject stuff down pat.
Sarah had enough of being manipulated, "Charles Irving Bartowski, if you try changing the subject on me one more time, you're sleeping on the couch for the rest of your life, if we ever get to sleep at home again that is. Now let's get going, we're dropping off Alex in LA, saying hi to our babies, then we're off to Germany."
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The next chapter's title is still under consideration. So many to choose from, really good ones. The next chapter has a serious under tow, but has more comedy than the past two. Several new for me, but old Chuck TV characters make appearances or are referenced in the next chapter, four total if my count is right. Any guesses who? Plus, the identity of the mystery man is revealed. Is it Chip Wallace?