A/N: Moving along here. I know it may seem to move slowly and I'm sorry. Guess I just had a lot to say. Incidentally, I wanted to apologize for the horrible grammar in last chapter's A/N. For having edited the chapter itself about eight times, I just wrote the A/N and posted it. Oops! Thanks, as always, to all you who are reading, and especially to those who have left comments. I try to reply to them all, if only to say thank you. Several have reviewed as "Guest" so I don't have a way to reply to you; just let me say it now: Thanks!
In addition to not owning anything to do with Chuck, except a treasured, signed poster, and all the DVD's, I also don't own Star Trek, Search for Spock, or Mr. Scott. But I sure appreciate getting to use one of my all time favorite lines. Dah, Dah, Dah, Dot, Dah, Dahhhh ... CHARGE!
IX. Flash
Scene 34: January 27, 2013
The Present
USAF Gulfstream / Nbora Airport
Chuck awoke, laying on his right side, with his back to Sarah, which was unusual as they typically awoke in each others' arms. He had been dreaming and it was quickly fading, but he remembered enough to know it had not been pleasant. Sarah and he were on a mission and she lay, unconscious at his feet. His breathing was rapid and shallow. That was all he remembered and was glad he knew it was just a dream.
He felt Sarah move and emit a low moan so he turned onto his back to look at his beautiful wife. It was the daily joy in his life, to wake up next to this gorgeous woman. But this morning she was frowning and twitching about. Not wanting to startle her, he gently reached over and placed his hand on her shoulder. She jerked away from him violently and her eyes flew open with fear and worry written all over her face.
"Chuck … Chuck, is it really you? You ARE here!" And she grabbed him and hugged him to her with all the strength in her body. Although he always enjoyed her embraces, she was very strong and was practically strangling him. Chuck tried to push away and rasped out, "Sarah, baby, it's me … and you're choking me. Relax, honey!"
"Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry. I guess I was dreaming. You were being kidnapped and I was fighting through a gang of madmen, but the harder I fought, the further away you got." Sarah pulled Chuck back into her embrace again, albeit, not as tightly. Chuck returned her hug this time and added kisses to her temple, cheek and neck.
"Funny … I was having a nightmare, too: you were hurt and unconscious. I guess we are both having some doubts and worries about this mission."
Sarah snuggled into Chuck's side with her face firmly planted in his neck. She was not releasing her hold on him this time. She mumbled something that he couldn't understand but her breath on his skin sent tingles up and down his body. Just as he was about to pull her head up for a kiss there was a knock on the compartment door followed by, "Mr. & Mrs. Carmichael: we are about an hour out from landing. Breakfast is prepared for you as soon as you are ready."
"Thanks, lieutenant. Come on baby, they're not going to let us finish this, so we might as well get moving."
She mumbled something else while pulling him in as closely as possible. They both enjoyed the feeling of being in each others' arms until Sarah finally rolled away with a sigh. "Don't think I'm forgetting this missed opportunity, Mr. Walker." It was accompanied by her first smile of the day which, like always, set Chuck's heart on fire.
"Oh you can count on that, Mrs. Bartowski," he countered, along with his own big smile.
They left the room hand in hand and walked down the length of the jet to where breakfast was waiting on a table. Just as they sat down and began eating they felt the engines change pitch, signaling the descent to the Nbora Airport.
"Okay, so we are the Carmichael's once again." Sarah was strapping on her various knife holders and Chuck, as always, was amazed at how and where she could hide so many lethal weapons. "We are part of the UN and have come to investigate the disappearance of the first team. Anything else we need to touch base on before landing?"
"That's it for now. Chuck, these people do not have much regard for women so you will need to do most of the talking. With Gertrude leading the UN team, I wonder if that may have played a part in something going wrong?"
"It's unbelievable there are still people out there who do not consider each and every individual as equals and that women have just as much to contribute as men. Sure be a big step in changing the world into a better place."
"Amen to that. But in the meantime, we have to play the game."
"Gotcha."
The jet rolled to a private hangar where they were met by a small group of military and civilian personnel. A ground crew unloaded the luggage and supplies while Chuck and Sarah walked towards a group of men standing by a sedan and two army jeeps.
One man detached himself from the group and met them halfway with this hand outstretched. As they all shook hands he spoke: "Welcome to Swinbitia. I'm Seth Brownfield, the local station chief. Please call me Seth. I've been briefed and will be your liaison with the local officials. They aren't a bad bunch, as these types go, and will be even more helpful when they see the medical supplies you've brought along."
"We are the Carmichael's: Sarah, my wife, and I'm Charles. We're glad you're here to help. What do we do first?"
"We can use this hangar as our base. Do you have equipment to be setup?"
"Yes. Is there a computer and terminal in here?"
"Yep, right over there, in the office. I'll make the introductions and then we can get that started." Brownfield led them to the three men waiting for them by the vehicles.
"Gentlemen, allow me to introduce Mr. Charles Carmichael and his wife and associate, Mrs. Sarah Carmichael. They are a part of the United Nations African Relief Project and are here to see if they can solve the mystery of the disappearance of the previous UN mission. Please allow me to introduce Vice Governor Finonni of the Swinbitian government, Mr. Gottitobi, airport administrator and Colonel Ngobi of the Swinbitian army."
Hands were shaken all around. It was easy to tell they were all awe-struck by Mrs. Carmichael; they had no idea how resourceful and dangerous she could really be. Chuck spoke first, "Thank you so much for allowing us to come to your country. We are pleased you are willing to allow us to investigate. And we appreciate all the assistance you have offered; I am sure we will need your help. We have also brought a supply of medicine and equipment we know you are sorely in need of for your people."
Vice Governor Finonni bowed slightly and said, "Most gracious, Mr. Carmichael. We want to assist in any way possible. Mr. Brownfield will coordinate whatever you need from our end. We just ask that you keep us informed of your progress."
Major Ngobi saluted them: "We also ask that you allow two of our officers, and their men, to accompany you. They know the territory and language so, hopefully, we can avoid the same fate befalling you and your wife." As he said 'wife' his look towards Sarah bordered on complete lechery. She smiled back at him demurely, looking down and tilting her head to the left. Then, in a sudden move, she looked back up while swirling her hair around from left to right. She caught the eyes of each man with those devastatingly beautiful blue eyes and then … she winked. The devastation of these three men was sudden and complete. The Major practically fell backwards, before turning slowly to move back to the others, who were also slumping, looking sheepishly down at their feet.
"It will take us about two hours to get our communications gear set up and then we would like to get the journey started, if that is appropriate." Chuck had to work hard to keep a straight face, knowing what Sarah had just done to each of the men standing before her. As he looked at them there was no sympathy in his eyes … just glee in how easily she had intimidated them.
With that, Chuck turned, took Sarah's hand, and walked towards the office, followed by Brownfield. The other three stood, staring after them, and finally walked to their vehicles, while shaking their heads. Once inside the office husband and wife broke into laughter. Seth was smiling, too, "Well, I've never quite seen anyone put in their place quite so elegantly, Mrs. Carmichael. Well done."
"Please, call me Sarah and my husband is Chuck. And thank you. It's something we've done before."
"I had heard you were an impressive pair but that was really something. They're going to be thinking about that smile and wink for the rest of the day; and their wives are going to wonder what they've been up to."
Chuck and Sarah quickly got their equipment up and running. Brownfield assured them the room was completely shielded and would be guarded while they were gone; the equipment and their work would be safe. They ran diagnostics by contacting Morgan and General Beckman. All the connections worked as expected. Morgan informed them they had two new potential clients that he and Alex were going to meet with the following day. Beckman had some news as well: there was a terrorist/arms dealer meet going down sometime soon, and once she knew more, would like Sarah to investigate while Chuck continued to track Casey and Verbanski. After double checking protocols and codes they all signed off.
"Chuck, I don't like the idea of separating. I think Beckman is trying to play us now that she has us back in the field."
"My sentiments exactly, babe. Maybe we'll just have to be 'out of range'," he said using air quotes, "when she calls back." They both laughed and high-fived followed by a kiss.
"Okay, we need to hit the road."
Scene 35: January 26, 2013
The day before
Swinbitia, Africa
Casey woke up as the setting sun was streaming in the cabin's western window. He had slept well, as he usually did on missions. Something in his make up allowed him to shut everything down when in the field, which allowed him to rest and awaken refreshed and alert. This latter quality was equally important and had saved him on a number of occasions. Spies needed to be able to get as much rest as possible whenever they had the chance. They also needed to awaken in an instant and be ready for action. The only person he had seen whose instincts were as good as his was Sarah Walker … er, Bartowski. Gertrude was probably on the same level but he had not experienced the need with her as yet.
He lay there reviewing the past year. He had been working with with Carmichael Industries and things were really looking up. He had also connected with his former fiance and, more importantly, Alex. He still wasn't completely happy with her relationship with the moron, but she seemed happy, which was what was important. Heaven help Grimes if he ever hurts her! He had also reconnected with a former adversary and lover: Gertrude Verbanski.
Then disaster struck when, first Chuck was kidnapped, then Sarah had to download the Intersect to save the two of them. Last, but not least, she was kidnapped by Quinn who destroyed her memories, or at least suppressed them. Once Sarah returned and they had defeated and killed Quinn, it was obvious the healing for her … actually for both Chuck and Sarah … would take some time, and would include putting CI on the back burner. It was time for him to move on because he still craved the action. But he didn't want to work for the NSA or CIA without his two partners, Walker and Bartowski.
Gertrude had been very open about wanting to pursue both a professional and personal relationship. He would never have considered such a thing a few short years ago, but the amazing connection with the extended Bartowski family had brought out emotions he thought were long dead. He would never admit it to Chuck or Sarah but he envied the love they shared. No one was happier than he when they finally admitted their feelings for each other and became a couple. Their wedding was the first he had attended in over 20 years and he felt a happiness that was unknown to him; and it shook him to his very core. He told Walker they had both gone soft over the five years they were partners, but in reality, he was pleased to have friends, family and a sense of belonging.
When he left to seek out Gertie he was hoping to maybe have something close to that connection. Now that they were together, he felt a sense of relaxation he had not known since becoming John Casey, NSA agent.
Gertie began to stir and moved over to snuggle with Casey. She looked up at him and smiled, "Hey, Casey. Been awake long?"
"A while." After a long pause he continued, "Just trying to sort out some things and wrap my head around this situation."
"Come up with anything?"
"Ungh. No."
"Well, I'm hungry so let's see if they are going to feed us tonight."
They both got up and headed for the front door. Their guards were still there but did not act aggressively at the sight of them. "You boys know how to get some food around here?" Verbanski was trying to keep her voice light and non-aggressive; a challenge for her sometimes.
"Why don't you join us in the other cabin. We're just about ready to eat, too." Mr. C had driven up in a new SUV, with a second one right behind it, just prior to their appearance at the door, and had heard their request.
He led them across the compound and into the cabin. The table was still set up the same as before. As they entered, the same young girl was just finishing setting the table and laying out the food. She looked at Verbanski and smiled briefly before leaving quickly, before any of the men could say anything to her.
"Our guests were asking about food so I invited them to join us. Anyone mind?"
"No" ... "of course not" … "please, sit with us," were the comments that came from the others.
Except for the guards outside their cabin, they were now being treated like comrades. This change in their status was rather disconcerting and Casey just kept shaking his head and mumbling something about "damned, crazy pirate bastards." Verbanski kept trying to put herself in their captors' place in order to figure out their angle, but nothing made any sense.
Once everyone had taken their food and were starting to eat, Mr. A looked at both Casey and Verbanski and said, "This is a good opportunity to let you know a few more details of our upcoming trip.
"It will be another arduous trip but we have the two SUV's you just saw to make the trip more comfortable. We have about three hours on these dirt roads before coming to the one major highway in the country. It is not a bad road … paved and pretty well maintained … but it is about five more hours to our destination. We will have hotel accommodations there until the meeting is finalized. It should be a couple of days at most. Then we will fly to Cairo. Once there, the meet should happen quite soon. If the sale is agreed upon you will be taken to inspect the merchandise and make your recommendation to us."
"And you still can not tell us what we will be inspecting?"
"No, I'm afraid I can not."
The meal was finished in silence and as soon as they finished eating Gertrude and John stood up to leave. Mr. D said to them, "There will be a full moon this evening. It is quite spectacular out here, where no lights interfere. I recommend you sit outside your back door if you are interested. Just remember, you will be watched."
"Thank you, Mr. D. We may very well take you up on that suggestion." Verbanski smiled at him and then exited, taking Casey's arm as they walked slowly across the compound to their own cabin.
This has got to be the weirdest kidnapping of all time.
Scene 36. January 27, 2013
The Present
Swinbitia, Africa
Sarah and Chuck were on the road by mid-afternoon. They had been told it would take three hours to reach the site of the wreckage but that would still give them enough daylight to do an initial inspection. Their guides also told them they would have to set up tents and stay at the site overnight. Chuck was having some stiffness in his left arm and leg from all the cramped traveling, and was not thrilled to think about sleeping on the ground. Sarah, however, promised him a good rubdown, reminding him they had inflatable mattresses to relax on. Any time he could get a rubdown from her was a good time!
When they arrived on the scene they could see army troops there as well. They had been sent to keep the site as intact as possible. It didn't take long for scavengers, both human and animal, to pretty much clean out a site like this. But, because the bodies had still been there when first discovered, they hoped nothing else had been disturbed either. The bodies had been removed by army medical personnel and taken away for storage until it was determined where they should be sent. Apparently one of the four bodies was not badly burned and had already been identified as Dr. Alverez, a member of the UN team. The other three bodies were so badly burned it would take DNA testing to identify.
The vehicles had to be left until the investigators released them, which, in this country, could be years, if ever. Sarah and Chuck were not sure what they would find, or if it would do any good, but it was a place to start. Ash and soot coated all the twisted metal and melted plastic, which set off Chuck's allergies pretty quickly.
They donned protective overalls and boots and climbed through the wreckage. It was apparent an accelerant had been used as there very little left except the bare metal itself. The VIN numbers on the SUV's were still intact and had already been used to identify them as belonging to VCorp.
The army personnel were setting up camp for the newcomers and a meal was prepared, so Chuck and Sarah climbed out of the ravine, cleaned up as well as possible, and sat down with their escorts to eat. There was light conversation, but also a somberness about the site due to the death and destruction.
Chuck finished eating and walked over to the edge of the ravine with a bottle of water. As he stared down, in the waning light, he noticed a piece of canvas caught on a bush about ten meters from the vehicles. He climbed down the gentle slope and pulled the cloth free. Sarah, seeing him descend out of sight ran over to the edge as well. His left leg was not happy about what he was attempting and when she saw him struggling, Sarah quickly moved down the slope and grabbed his arm. Together they finished the climb and then sat on a couple of nearby boulders.
"Chuck, what were you thinking? You could have easily fallen and hurt yourself. Next time call me before doing anything like that."
"Sarah, please don't baby me too much. I already feel inferior to everyone here, without needing help in every little thing I do."
"Chuck, I'm sorry but…."
"Dammit. I didn't mean to snap at you, baby. I just thought it would be an easier climb. Forgive me."
"Nothing to forgive, hon. We just need to help each other. What did you find?"
"Not sure. Help me get this over to the lights."
Several of the soldiers saw them pulling the canvas across the open ground and joined them. It was a piece of canvas about ten feet wide and 25 feet long with jagged edges that had been violently torn. One edge was also singed, so it had been close to the fire at some point. Their escort leader told them it was definitely the cover off the back part of a large truck similar to the one in the ravine. As they turned it over they saw some white lettering and suddenly Chuck shuddered and staggered.
Sarah noticed immediately, grabbed his arm and whispered, "Chuck, what? Did you just flash?"
Chuck stood still, eyes wide, but blinking. Then, with a shake of his head, he looked at Sarah with something that was a cross between a grimace and a smile: "Wh-wh-whoa! Yeah. First time in … what … a year?"
"What is it you saw, honey?" Her voice was full of concern and her eyes were wide with fear.
"I'm okay, Sarah. Relax. Just caught me off guard." After a reassuring smile for his worried wife, and a drink of water, he continued: "You know," he said with an even bigger smile, "the only constant in the universe is the bureaucratic mentality (with apologies to Dr. McCoy)."
"That's a Star Trek quote."
"Hey, hey, Sarah. You remembered that!"
"Um ... yeah ... but what does it mean?"
"Where do you get a vehicle if you are in the army? At the motor pool! That number, on the canvas, is the vehicle ID number. We can find out who signed for it; and from there, who authorized its use. Then it should be easy to trace back to whoever sent the orders to the base. I've already flashed on some of that, and Morgan should be able to track down the rest from CI."
"That's great, Chuck. But why did you suddenly flash now, after all this time?"
"It's weird that I haven't flashed in such a long time, but I don't think its anything to worry about, babe. You do remember that when I first got the Intersect, it was pretty disorienting for me, don't you? Getting a lot of new stimuli here, you know."
"I'm sorry, Chuck, but I AM concerned about this. Why aren't you?" Sarah stood up and helped her husband stand. He was really favoring his weaker left leg now, and welcomed the supporting arm of his lovely wife ... on several levels. "We need to call Ellie!"
"Thanks, sweetie. Let's just not make too much of this unless it starts to act weird. And we can't call Ellie … you know she would be on a plane here in an instant." He could tell she was upset but wasn't sure what else he could say to make her feel better. "In the meantime, we need to take advantage of the intel. Let's call Morgan."
One of the soldiers came over to them with a look of concern. Sarah told him that Chuck had just felt lightheaded and twisted his knee on the climb up. She thanked him and hoped he bought her story. They did not want anyone to suspect that Chuck was at all vulnerable.
Once they got back to their tent she went inside and brought back aspirin and water. He gratefully took both. Her biggest concern when they started this mission was that Chuck would hurt himself again; that now seemed to have happened. But that was only one of Sarah's worries now. Why did he flash here and now and why did it seem to disorient him? Sarah rested her hand lightly on his shoulder and stared off at the horizon, worry and doubt filling her mind.
