A/N: It's nice to be back Chucksters:) I apologize for my longest wait to-date; my computer needed a new charge port; it went bad when I wasn't even halfway done with this chapter-writing was taking forever before that happened and it took a full week to be repaired…oddly enough once it was fixed, I got on a roll, and now I think it came out really good!
Anyway, this chapter has a lot of swings in mood; like the show used to and supporting characters get more of the action too. There is another sex scene in this chapter; marked in bold so you can skip it if you prefer. I'd say this chapter is my favorite so far, so without further ado…enjoy:)
Chuck and Sarah
Chapter 10
The following day in Russia, relatively early in the morning; Vladimir Putin was seething with anger; practically spitting in Tommy's face as he shouted at him, "ANOTHER PLAN BACKFIRED! HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? THIS GUY WAS FORMER SPECIAL-OPS, BUT THEY CUT HIM DOWN LIKE A TOY; WHILE ON VACATION!
"Please sir calm down…it's not like we haven't tried, but Chuck and Sarah are very good spies." There was dullness in Tommy's voice that made it clear he hated admitting the fact.
"THERE ONLY TWO DAMNED PEOPLE; YET THEY HAVE TAKEN OUT DOZENS OF MY FIELD AGENTS…BRUSHING THEM ASIDE LIKE CATTLE; IT IS UNACCEPTABLE-"
Suddenly the double doors opened abruptly behind them, and Edgar strode calmly into their presence; Tommy hid his sense of relief at Edgar's sudden reappearance extremely well as Putin addressed Edgar who suppressed an urge to gloat at both of them.
"If you're here Edgar then I take it you found the info we've been waiting for?"
"I found what you want yes but I still have no idea who introduced the software that is still holding our computers, hostage…"
"We can worry about that later…as I have already told Tommy; I am growing tired of Chuck and Sarah's interference in my plans."
"Then I think what I have found will help us…I went to Budapest; following the little bit of info I was able to read on that murdered family-before that anonymous Trojan or Virus blocked me out-I found well…little much of anything."
"If anybody can do a lot with a little it's you, Edgar…what did you find?"
"The place…it's a Manor; my impression was that the family was extremely well off…the state of the place was about as cluttered as you'd expect but several rooms looked like they'd been used rather recently: evidence of someone being held there for some amount of time and I also found several surveillance devices, but the feeds are dead…there's a nursery; I found a recorder with an audio loop of a crying baby inside the crib with no evidence of bullet holes-past or present-I make an educated guess that the infant was taken so the subject could eventually take the inheritance…"
"I've heard of this kind of thing…mobsters and warlords claim inheritances of wealthy families by murdering all but the youngest of wealthy families; raise them as their own and once they lay claim to it are murdered, and the inheritance is effectively stolen…cruel for sure but why tell me this Edgar? Chuck and Sarah's children are biologically their own; I fail to see how circumstantial details help us…"
"I scoured every inch of that place, and it seems Kieran Ryker was in contact with Daniel Shaw back in late 2011; prior to the latter's re-arrest; it seems the child is alive and Ryker attempted to find them…which means Sarah likely fled back then to protect the child but my guess is that she didn't return with them to the CIA…understandable considering it was an orphaned infant at the time; Sarah grew up in unfavorable circumstances and was then thrust into the CIA…I'm confident she wouldn't have wanted to let that happen to the child."
"Where is the child then?"
"Again an educated guess but I would say that she left the child with her mother, but there is no government record of Sarah Walker's mother anywhere; the protection of that child is likely why…"
"Can you locate them?"
"I won't lie sir; that would be extremely difficult…this is perhaps Sarah walker's most closely guarded secret…the only sources that would have been willing to tell us anything are both dead…forgive me sir but I value my life too much to go poking into this any further by myself."
At that point Tommy deemed it safe to speak again and leaned forward into the conversation, "Sir if I may, several surviving agents at various posts say that combat with Chuck and Sarah is unnatural; they strike lightning fast and parry attacks with a level of anticipation that suggests they sense them coming even before we decide to strike and speaking as someone that fought them personally-"
"It sounds as though you're insistent on making excuses Tommy; need I remind you that we have an Intersect too?"
"I know sir, but I believe that their scientists-which include Chuck's sister; have found a way to access 100% of human brain power; trying to go after her mother is not a good idea…you have heard of the trail of bodies she carved through Thailand when Chuck was kidnapped three years ago I don't think it's wise to repeat something like that-"
"Be that as it may finding her will provide a long-term distraction for Carmichael Industries once I finally begin the war!"
Edgar was blunt when he spoke again, "Alright but if I find her I'm going to want back up because taking her by force won't be easy…hopefully, we can get lucky and deal with some of the other members instead of Chuck and Sarah…"
"Well, then Edgar it looks like you're going back to the states…however there is no reason to show yourself; you will command squads of agents indirectly…even if you don't take her we may be able to confirm that she and the child exist."
"I did bring back the dead surveillance and bugging equipment; I can try to salvage it, but it will take time."
"As long as it produces results I can be patient…you're dismissed Edgar-he gave a small salute and Edgar left; when the doors closed Putin rounded on Tommy again-if what you said is true Tommy then we must go after Chuck's sister or the scientist who helped them create their Intersect…"
"I honestly recommend the latter first sir; our intelligence says he is…immature…and as a result much more vulnerable despite being in their employ."
"Well then it looks like you're going back to the states Tommy…I'm sure you can isolate one man; bring him back here, and I will forgive your recent blunders…fail-"
"I will not fail sir!"
"You're dismissed then…Laszlo will be meeting me to discuss targets for our missiles; provided that the two of you succeed in creating these distractions but time will tell…regardless Chuck and Sarah's vacation is going to be cut short!"
II
Blissfully unaware of Putin's plans, Chuck awoke that morning to a pleasant sensation…at first, he thought that he was just experiencing a morning erection but a light pressure made his eyes snap open where Sarah was already pleasuring him with her tongue while gently kneading his balls with both hands.
"While that explains everything…"
"What can I say, I decided to start while you were sleeping; even without an erection you're very impressive but I can feel that changing already…"
Sure enough Chuck's erection came very quickly, but this didn't slow Sarah down, and that was apparent to Chuck as the erotic sensation that began in his groin spread to his entire body and grew steadily more intense as Sarah increased her pace bringing Chuck near climax. Sarah progressed to deep throating and had no trouble accepting his entirety into the back of her mouth; little more than a moment later and Chuck involuntarily flooded her mouth-this was in fact what she was aiming for-his essence tasted like a sweet nectar; which she swallowed with a devilish smile and kept going as if determined to take oral pleasure to an unprecedented new level…it was several minutes before Sarah put an end to his torture; still wearing that same devilish smile…
"Join me for shower sex?"
"Did something happen to make you friskier that I wasn't aware of?"
"I don't know what to say except…when we go back home…"
"I get it, babe…
Both of them naked since last night, Sarah kissed Chuck before getting out of bed and taking him by the arm into the shower with her and turning the water on and then turning it gingerly warmer as it ran down their bodies. Sarah mounted Chuck; intertwining her body in his while he inserted himself into her as they locked eyes and began kissing-Chuck's hands weaving wildly through her hair while her hands moved quickly down his back before gripping his buns-they created a kind of thrusting motion together that caused steadily deeper penetration until Sarah climaxed and their combined movement became so aggressive they had to brace themselves against the lone bare wall of the shower while her legs tighten around Chuck's hips like a vice as he sent her over the edge five mind blowing times; all the extra lubrication sending Sarah to screaming new heights of pleasure…
"I know I've said it before, but you definitely broke me this time…always shattering my expectations…"
"Lucky there's no glass in here, or we'd have to pay for damage to the suite with all the screaming you're doing!"
"Chuck we're eight floors up in a private suite that is removed from other people…"
"True but the balcony door is open…"
"I think we're okay, but your shyness is endearing all the same…now let's take the actual shower and then we can go back to the bedroom for round three!"
They had a very erotic shower; including massage with all manner of soaps and some aggressive fun with a loofah before abandoning the shower (relieving themselves) and then proceeding to the other bedroom. They sat right in front of each other and Chuck's eyes moved to his wife's breasts; which glistened as they were still damp from water…she gave him a smile and then he moved in. He teasingly licked the left nipple with his tongue while moving the right between the fingers of his other hand; Sarah gave a gentle exhale in approval, and he went faster…switching after a few minutes and then eventually taking one into his mouth; sucking gently on her nipple; this quickly caused milk to flood his mouth, but he simply swallowed and kept going. She involuntarily kept expelling breast milk in continually larger amounts; this amount of stimulation to her breasts was unprecedented, and something only Chuck was capable of because he was so good at this highly erotic foreplay. Sarah grinned broadly gave erotic exhales of approval until-after switching sides for a time-Chuck was finished; at which point she smiled tilting her head slightly.
"You know if you were that hungry we could have stopped to eat some food."
Chuck grinned reading her expression, "That's nice of you…it's also a lie."
"You got me…I want you Chuck, and the only thing I'm still curious about is if you're as skilled from the back as you are from the front."
Chuck turned slightly red with an expression of shyness, "if you're okay with a first timer entering your back door…"
Sarah grinned, kissing Chuck and then wore a similar expression, "Chuck I can assure you I haven't let anybody access my ATM; you get to claim it exclusively and considering how well you do everything else…"
"Don't have to tell me twice!"
The experience was incredible…her breathing became loud and heated in approval, and loud moans escaped Sarah as Chuck found a spot only he was capable of, and she involuntarily accepted him in completely letting him know that it was safe to ride back and forth. Chuck steadily quickened his pace, and Sarah shouted louder and louder; digging her knees and elbows into the mattress and pulling on the headboard so tightly that they heard the bed move and creak as she had an orgasm so pleasurable that her body was vibrating and her eyes began to water in the effort of holding onto the headboard…completely unaware that Chuck's energy had peaked until he collapsed against her back breathing heavily and causing Sarah to fall flat on the bed.
"Wow, Chuck…we moved the bed!"
He grinned while slowly pulling out of her and they faced each other again, "I think you damaged the headboard a little too…but maybe we can pass that off as normal wear and tear…"
She looked back at the headboard and burst out laughing; there were noticeable cracks in the wood; "Oh my...I guess I don't know my own strength; you Chuck Bartowski were absolutely incredible!"
"I'm always highly motivated…that said I think this should be it; I will, however, settle for getting some food."
They put their robes on realizing as they did that their phones had been off for more than 24 hours; upon turning them back on Found it was now noon, and they had 12 voice mails apiece…"
Chuck eyed his phone apprehensively, "Okay…we know this won't be good so I say we eat first and then get back to the chaos…agreed?"
"Yes, besides…if anything was dire to the point of life-threatening somebody would have contacted us through a linked regional satellite; there are hundreds of them after all…"
"Yeah let's stick with that because I don't want to think otherwise…although I've got a nagging feeling that this vacation is going to be cut short; still almost a full week…I think that's the best we could've hoped for."
III
Unfortunately, that turned out to be true…Casey refused to clue them in until they were back within the walls of Carmichael Industries. They arrived at a full reception; at roughly 4:30 in the afternoon-Zondra having completed rehab a few days earlier; her arm noticeably weaker than prior to the gunshot wounds it sustained, something the doctors said was unavoidable because the bullets caused enough blood loss to kill a portion of the tissue (in her upper arm) despite the fact that she could no longer wield a gun she was now better than Sarah at throwing combat knives and in surprisingly high spirits.
"Sorry about your arm…"
"Nothing I can do about it Sarah; I technically can hold a gun, but my reflexes and accuracy are shot, and my left arm was too awkward to use anyway…I wouldn't be able to use this arm at all if it weren't for Carina."
"Yeah, don't mention it…what's taking Johnny so long anyway?"
"He'll get here when he gets here…what I really want to hear about is Chuck and Sarah's vacation, how was Paris?"
Sarah exchanged a smile with Chuck, "You'd never know a third World War is coming being over there…like living in a bubble…we knew we'd get called back early though…we ran into my father; he was trying to sell the hotel to someone who was acquiring buildings for Putin-my father didn't know this of course-Casey has to be concerned with something else though because that guy is dead."
"So you got no down time?"
They exchanged another much more awkward look and Carina scoffed, "Please, they barely left the hotel; as a matter of fact…I bet they had sex so much Sarah's lucky she's still on the pill-"
Alex cut her off abruptly, "Give it a rest Carina!"
"You really don't like me much Alex…"
"Not particularly, Chuck and Sarah deserved the down time; even if err…that's what they did with most of it."
"We did a lot of sightseeing mostly: dinner and dancing on Valentine's Day and we managed to visit the Eiffel Tower just before we left but like I said it's very peaceful there…what about you; how's the wedding planning going?"
"I can't believe it, but everything is done! Now we just need to focus on security make sure I get married without any problems…"
The entrance opened a moment later Casey appeared looking disheveled and carrying a folder which he was scanning frantically with his eyes…Chuck addressed him quizzically as he kept reading, "That's a lot of files; what's going on Casey?"
"Three really big problems: first, Manoosh was taken from his hotel early this morning by enemy agents stationed here in LA; likely for Putin."
"What…I thought he had an Intersect?"
"We removed it…you know how unpredictable he is; didn't want someone like that with the Intersect permanently in their head."
"How did he get caught?"
"The guys the most idiotic genius I've ever met; probably left an electronic trail of purchases…we know why he was taken."
"That's obvious Putin wants info on our Intersect."
"He'll crack like an egg!"
"What are the other problems then?"
"Laszlo has missiles on standby targeting all major landmarks…and then Tommy and Edgar are on their way back here…"
"Who told you that?"
"Mary told Beckman who then told me…she knows that Tommy was sent to interrogate Manoosh and Edgar-Casey's eyes moved swiftly from Chuck to Sarah-knows what really happened in Budapest six years ago; he went there recently, and despite the computer infection he pieced what little info he did have together so he knows everything; except where they are which is the one saving grace we have."
Sarah sat clumsily into a nearby chair; some combination of shock rage and fear etched across her face which she covered with her hands, "Why would they go after my mother and Molly?",
Casey, Chuck and Cole had the answer ready and spoke at nearly the same time, "Using your mother as leverage to keep you and Chuck from interfering in the war…"
Morgan piped up suddenly, "They wouldn't hurt a little girl…would they?"
Cole scratched his chin thoughtfully, "it's tough to say if they would Morgan; I would love to say no, but all the evidence says otherwise…"
Casey addressed Chuck and Sarah so bluntly there was an overwhelming silence following his words, "Well, one thing's for sure; I hope you two enjoyed that vacation because you're spies from now until we put an end to this war because as far as I am concerned, it's officially started."
Chuck's voice was heated and deadly, "Putin just made this personal, and he'll be learning the hard way that when people make things personal against us, it doesn't end well!"
IV
The following day everyone returned to Carmichael Industries considerably early that morning; including Diane Beckman, Bryce Larkin and Gertrude Verbanski…a hush fell over the room; Beckman was looking very run down and there were several noticeable lines on her face and when she spoke there was clear exhaustion in her voice…
"By now everybody knows everybody else, so I'm not wasting time with introductions…Chuck, Sarah, as John told you both yesterday, we have several pressing issues to handle and the order we handle them will directly affect everything else. Believe it or not, the biggest problem is the fact that missiles can be launched by Laszlo at any time; it shows that Putin is bent on starting World War III and he knows this company and its employees are the real threat to his success…I firmly believe that Manoosh's capture and the fact that Edgar has been tasked with finding your mother are designed distractions to pull your attention away from the war and this base…this is why we shouldn't worry about your mother unless it becomes absolutely necessary; I believe you entrusted your sister with an emergency beacon; which is smart…they'd expect it to be with your mother.
Sarah clearly thought this was impossible, "How am I supposed to just wait for it to go off?"
"They are well hidden and not connected to anything concerning Watchtower-"
Sarah's sarcasm left her mouth before she could stop herself, "Oh sure, they're just the family I've been trying to keep safe for the last eight years…let's wait till they're in danger before we do anything!"
Chuck spoke bluntly to Beckman, "General, I think you might want to err…remember Thailand."
Beckman looked as though she was having a vivid flashback of Sarah's temper, "Zondra…keep routine watch over Emma and Molly."
"Yes, general…Sarah, I've got this."
Beckman cleared her throat and continued, "Now that that has been taken care of, we need to figure out how to get Manoosh back; if he breaks we'll no longer have a trump card…Chuck, we need you to narrow down where he's being held in LA; all we know is it is somewhere underground…Carina and Cole can go rescue him…"
"Fine by me…"
"After that Chuck, I want you to hack as many of these missiles as possible; the less damage they can cause indirectly the better…Edgar may be back in town like Tommy, but he's a ghost; we may need to let him find your mother and sister so that Casey can ultimately execute the kill order I'm officially placing on Edgar Sloan!"
Sarah felt a sudden burst of rage that made her shake, "You want to use my family as bait!"
"That's only half true; we put their current residence out in the open, but we move them somewhere else…I'd never ask you to put your family physically out in the open Sarah."
"I don't care what you were thinking they stay put!"
Bryce cleared his throat loudly, but Sarah simply rounded on him instead. "NO YOU DON'T GET TO SAY ANYTHING! I DON"T CARE ABOUT IT BEING OPPORTUNISTIC; I SWORE I'D KEEP THEM AWAY FROM ALL THIS!"
Sarah continued breathing heavily for several minutes as Casey carefully interjected…Chuck knew it was the bond between the three of them that kept her from jumping down Casey's throat too and instead she met his eyes with a fierce gaze that he seemed to recognize and reciprocated as he spoke calmly to her…
"I will personally protect your family Sarah but this needs to be done so until Edgar is dead; consider me their shadow…"
"I have your word then John?"
"Yes, you do!"
"Then we just need to make sure Edgar drops dead."
…
Carina squinted through the air duct (vent) at the two guards and then looked at Cole who was lagging behind slightly, "I can't believe Chuck tracked them here; I thought this place was abandoned three years ago?"
"Well if it was it's definitely not anymore…but let's get inside and get Manoosh; he's bound to be near death by now…"
"Good thing I brought these then-she pulled out a small blue capsule from her back pocket-they're filled with knock-out gas and small enough fit through the grate; it releases after being thrown (or in this case dropped) dissipates quickly, and the effect lasts several hours…I'll remove the grate and then we drop through.
"I can draw my gun from here if need be."
Carina threw Cole an amused look before dropping the capsule through which fell to the floor and expelled thick clear gas. Before they could even react, there were audible gasping noises amid extremely clumsy shots at the ceiling which dislodged the cover of the air duct Cole and Carina were in…as the guards fell unconscious Carina flashed; dangling through the opening and then swinging to land softly in front of the false wall. Cole followed suit landing on her right and together they activated the switch concealed on the wall.
"Chuck said this was where The Ring kept their Intersect…it's a large warehouse with multiple rooms."
"Let's start searching then, ladies first of course…"
Agents were scattered everywhere…the both of them passed the now faded bloodstain where Chuck's father bled to death. It took careful stealth tactics to not awaken an onslaught of gunfire and this required tranq guns…Carina and Cole ditched stealth upon reaching the lower level because there was one door to get through and much more cover in this area but the screams and gags they heard common from the next room made them fearful…at least until they heard Manoosh; his voice hoarse and painful with an extreme amount of wheezing through harsh, shallow breaths but there was no mistaking the laughter which was pitiful but mocking…
"You're wasting your time-I was held by Clyde Decker-for three years; granted part of this was before he went rogue but-after he did I made the unwitting mistake of betraying my country and there's no way in hell I'm blatantly doing it-just to save myself…so I guess I've got new resolve and you, well-like I said-you're wasting your time-"
Tommy was red in the face clearly thrown by the fact that somebody who'd been tortured this badly still wouldn't crack, "You're tough kid and knocking the life out of you has gotten me nowhere…so, I'm going to try a different tactic if I make one call to Laszlo Mahnovski he can launch a missile anywhere-including U.S landmarks-so, unless you want countless casualties on your head-Tommy punched Manoosh so hard the chair he was bound to fell backward to the floor-you will build us the same Intersect you built Chuck, Sarah and the other two"
Much to Tommy's irritation Manoosh was still mustering that weak but mocking laugh; despite the fact that he had just coughed up blood, "You think I'm the key-"
"What was that?"
Anybody who knows-computers and engineering can make an Intersect-but for the one I helped build-interaction with the brain is actually what's most important, and Chuck's sister fine-tuned that, but you'll never get near her."
"I knew you'd crack eventually…I disagree, though; we're known to react much faster than you'd think! I don't see anybody coming to your rescue…"
The door burst open, and Carina's cool voice filled the room; with her gun pointed at Tommy, "You should be careful what you say out loud."
"What the hell; what happened to all-"
"Your friends out there…let's just say they're taking a nice long nap. We were going to go in firing, but these knock-out capsules are a new favorite of mine…now, Cole, hurry and get the kid out of here while I take care of Thing #1; don't make a move or you'll die where you stand!"
"I'll notify everyone else…"
Tommy obviously valued his life more than his hostage because he did nothing as Cole righted the chair and very slowly untied Manoosh-who did indeed look not far from death: his eyes were swollen, and there were harsh burns on his throat and face…there was a very evident limp as he walked and Cole had to hold him upright evidently his chest had suffered severe internal injuries…
"I saw an elevator back in the other room; can you make it?"
"Yes as long as you have water."
"I do, but I don't think you can keep anything down, and besides; it would be painful to swallow, but a helicopter is already meeting us to take you to West Side Medical."
"Thanks for showing up."
After they left Carina and Tommy flashed immediately and unlike his fight with Chuck; Tommy was evenly matched with Carina. Every punch was a stalemate, and in a brief moment when Carina thought she got the upper hand Tommy twisted her arm backward, and she was forced to head-butt him…he staggered slightly but allowed his backward momentum to carry himself out of range of her horizontal kick as he began taunting her…
"What's the matter; thought this would be easy?"
Carina swept her leg, but Tommy jumped to avoid it as she spoke heatedly, "I did think that the Intersect would simplify things, but you've known about it a lot longer than me!"-She ducked as he threw another punch and then her phone spoke from her pocket-
"Carina it's Casey get out of there; I have been watching everything…it's a stalemate and there's no point in trading endless blows. Besides, you're needed back here and your rides leaving soon because unless you forgot, Manoosh is coming off twenty-four hours of severe torture!"
"I have to point out the fact that he wouldn't have been in this mess if YOU hadn't removed his Intersect! Besides like you probably can see-she managed to get Tommy off balance by kicking the nearby table at him, but he'd already rolled away as she went for a final punch-I'm pretty busy right now!"
"Well if you don't get out you'll be stuck there! Besides he just hit an emergency button on the wall back up is on its way!"
Tommy was wide-eyed but stayed focused, "What the hell is going on?" He back flipped to create space and drew his gun as Carina reached in her back pocket speaking bluntly and pulling her shirt collar over her mouth, "Big brother is watching; which means we'll have to finish this another time but here's my parting gift!"
Carina threw the gas capsule at Tommy's feet; in the split second when he thought nothing happened Tommy began to laugh harshly, and he was about to shoot her, but then he started choking and dropped to his knees before falling sideways and steadily losing consciousness as Carina-careful not to inhale the gas-wrenched open the door and fled. Casey's warning had been right; she met four armed agents not far from the exit and issued a steady stream of bullets-having changed guns while making her escape-while running through the preceding hallway and punched the last one standing square when she busted through the exit doors the helicopter was ready and waiting, but Cole was extremely irritated shouting at Carina as she boarded while the helicopter rose into the air.
"I finally figured out the difference between you and me Carina; I know how to keep my ego in check!"
"I'm sorry, but I was busy taking out four at once!"
"You're missing my point; you could have fallen back quietly instead of picking an egotistical fight. Now if Manoosh dies, it's your fault."
Manoosh was drifting in and out of consciousness, "I honestly-don't care if I die…I've already done more than I could have hoped-to make up for my mistakes…just tell Chuck…and especially Sarah I'm sorry-I really didn't know." Manoosh fell unconscious and became eerily still.
"For the love of god, why did you keep rambling you idiot! You're not dying on me; I'm sick of everyone saying I'm selfish and egotistical; just because I haven't gone completely soft like everyone else-Carina flashed and set up the medical equipment (which included oxygen and an IV) so fast that even Cole was caught by surprise-I have no idea what any of this means but-he's still got a pulse even if it's not exactly strong…"
"That stuff was already here when we boarded, but I wanted to keep armed because if anybody came aboard he'd have been dead anyway…plus he was still awake at the time; I think he got worked up worrying about you and dwindled rapidly because of it, but you likely saved his life."
"What do you think he meant when he was rambling about all that stuff?"
"I would say he has other unresolved guilt, but even if-Carina shot Cole a deadly look-sorry, when, he recovers I don't think we should question him anytime soon…however, if you were to talk with him, I think he would open up to you…besides I saw how you looked at him…it doesn't surprise me really; I know you're not willing to admit it…besides, we're too similar; the time at the shooting range showed me that much."
Carina was left with an odd feeling at Cole's words, and at that moment she fully understood the effect Chuck had on Sarah…Manoosh Depak was in effect exactly like she Carina: cocky, overconfident, prone to make moral mistakes, never taken seriously but still determined to pull weight…a strong affection for Manoosh arose in Carina's insides, and she couldn't help but hold his hand as a result; something that admittedly terrified her as she stared down at Manoosh's unconscious frame while he hovered dangerously between life and death.
"You'd better not check out on me dammit!"
V
Manoosh was monitored 24/7 over the next three days, but the importance of tracking Tommy and Edgar made visiting him too difficult. Carina was the exception; spending the majority of her time in his hospital room…doctors stated the near endless torture and starvation had caused several broken ribs and a punctured right lung, in addition, the bruises and burns; the most prominent of the latter sustained on his face-which meant Cole's theory turned out to be correct. Without Carina's actions after Manoosh fell unconscious, he would be dead…instead, things were heading in a much more optimistic direction for him.
Everyone else was dispatched to several different locations in separate groups because Russia felt the need to put clusters of soldiers in various U.S hot-spots: Washington, California and New York were selected as the heart of the country, and Carmichael Industries surrounding location was continually stalked-Watchtower itself was still impenetrable-making travel back and forth without being followed annoyingly difficult. Putin was determined to gain some kind of foothold in the U.S so Beckman strategically planned the next move; this sent Bryce and Cole to Washington to clear out agents positioned to seize the pentagon as a base of operations.
"This place is crawling with agents…take these flash-bang grenades and we shoot to kill because they'll be doing the same to us."
Cole nodded rhetorically, "Alright…to be honest, I don't know why we don't just go to Russia and put an end to this…"
"Beckman seems to think a divide and conquer strategy is best; she's a brilliant tactician…besides, heading into Russia-without taking out most of their support-guns blazing would get us all killed. Gertrude and Carina are in New York, and Chuck, Sarah, and Zondra are handling things back in and around Watchtower; which includes protecting Sarah's family…"
"Where does that leave Casey?"
Bryce made to exit the jet with Cole following behind him, "In California too but trying to tail Edgar…anyway, as someone who has been MIA for several years Watchtower's overall setup is incredible; the in-house and remote-global-satellite access made staking out easy so just follow my lead."
The two of them forcibly reacquired the pentagon, and the flash-bang grenades saved them several times. They got boxed in several hallways just quick enough to avoid a hail of gunfire; by the time they made it to the top floor ammo was scarce, and the last wave of agents left Cole and Bryce with several flesh wounds and cuts and in the case of the former a noticeable limp, amid a loud bang as they exhausted their last flash-bang grenade before entering direct combat with those left standing.
Cole spoke breathlessly trying to fight; thankful that the Intersect was doing most of the work due to the cumbersome injuries he'd sustained, "You know, I really hate Putin…thinking sheer numbers solves everything-he ducked a fist and swept his good leg hard into the knee of his attacker -who staggered- and then finished him with a harsh roundhouse to the chest-you'd think the fact that we've taken out so many agents would clue him in…"
Bryce shot his last adversary execution style and Cole groaned, "I wish I would not have used all my ammo…I'm not exactly unscathed here…"
Bryce sighed and pocketed his gun before allowing Cole to lean against him to compensate for his injured leg, "Well, the Pentagon is clear now so I say we call in cleaners and get the hell out of here."
"Agreed…let's hope everything else goes well…"
VI
Over the phone, Putin was clearly aggravated about the continually irritating nuisance that was Carmichael Industries and its employees… "What do you mean they've been tracking us?"
"Well I don't know specifics, but it's pretty clear that Watchtower's reach has entered a global scale; some level of their surveillance exists in every part of the world; the Pentagon was taken back earlier this morning…way to easily-"
Putin cut across Tommy abruptly, "Then I think it's time to declare war…"
Tommy continued rather cautiously, "Without getting at Ellie Bartowski we will be at a major disadvantage…it appears that the Intersect she helped create is coded to Chuck and Sarah's brain-they seem to be neurologically linked and functioning with fused brain activity; I have seen a lot of things, but even I have to admit it's an incredible scientific accomplishment; fusing two humans together neurologically without sacrificing independent brain activity, so I assure you Ellie Bartowski is the key; something Manoosh made sure to mock me about."
"How can you know this exists?"
"When I fought Carina Miller three days ago and was right on par with her I knew…knew that Chuck and Sarah were harnessing something more because I fought the former-when his best friend and Casey's daughter were rescued shortly after Christmas-the difference between both fights was…superhuman."
"Based on what you've told me; the most we can do is create a large diversion. I will have Laszlo deploy missiles; I trust you will know when the time is right?"
"Yes sir, I will!"
"Good…you are also aware that Edgar is preoccupied; which means despite the large force that I have sent you this falls squarely on your shoulders?"
"Yes, sir I am!"
"I will be calling again…hopefully you prove you're still useful and Ellie Bartowski will be captured because…they've neglected to keep her within Watchtower and thought it safe for her to return to her apartment on a regular basis; they are mistaken so don't fail me."
"I won't be sir!"
VII
Back at home, Chuck and Sarah had just put the twins down for the night and were in a deep discussion about the events of the last few days. Both of them were extremely worried because Putin's moves seemed to be getting increasingly strategic and desperate and Beckman was reacting the same way…things were turning into an egotistical chest game of sorts; with very real consequences that would affect their friends and family. Manoosh still hadn't woken up, but his doctors insisted that he could at any time and aside from some temporary throat problems-I.e. soreness, pain when swallowing-his condition had rebounded nicely and he was now stable despite not being awake yet. Casey had given sparse updates concerning Edgar which meant that he was much better at operating in secret than anybody-especially Casey-was willing to admit.
"You're worried about them aren't you?" Chuck said quietly holding his wife's hand.
"There is so much uncertainty with all of this stuff surrounding my family and we can't even peacefully raise our own children right now…I'm glad we were at least able to give Ellie and Devon a break…"
A moment later their phones rang: Casey on Sarah's and Devon on Chuck's; both voices were frantic and irritated, "Chuck Ellie is gone; she got up to use the restroom and hasn't come back out."
"Somebody must've been tailing you; didn't you check your surroundings before you left?" Chuck spoke automatically and louder than he meant to.
Devon's voice was exasperated and panicky as he spoke, "Check my-bro, I am so NOT a spy; how was I supposed to know we were being tailed!"
"I know, that's why…for future reference-because more people might tail you both-if you're driving, and one or more cars are unmarked and lagging behind you by 30-60 feet; then you're probably being followed…is anybody suspicious around you at the restaurant?"
"No, she's been gone fifteen minutes…how desperate do you have to be to kidnap someone from a public bathroom?"
"Desperate, get back home for now and first thing tomorrow you're in Watchtower…we'll get her back…if it helps I know they won't kill her because they need her…besides, I guarantee she was taken to the same place Manoosh was; we'll be there in a-"
But Chuck never finished speaking…Casey was still on the phone with Sarah and swore through the speaker which Sarah had turned on moments before, "Son of a bitch, he tracked me here!"
"John what's going on?"
"Edgar anticipated we'd try a bait and switch; he sent agents here…30 of them, guys get over here; you can move 100 times faster than the rest of us right?"
"Yes, but John we have to go rescue Ellie; Alex and Morgan should be able to get to you instead; they have the same Intersect we do."
"I'll call them then; it's clear you have your hands full."
"Thanks, John, keep them safe!"
"I won't lie this doesn't look good…I'll send them to your house or the extra one we purchased next to yours…listen they won't be able to come back here, so I am asking to blow up the place?"
"If mom is alright with moving; then it's fine by me."
VIII
Casey, Alex, Morgan, and Zondra were moments away from an onslaught of agents. They had Emma and Molly hide in the cellar a considerable distance behind their house; Emma reluctantly agreed to let go of the house and move next door to Chuck and Sarah. Everyone agreed however that the attack would come in waves and that it would make the most sense to bomb the house once numbers thinned.
Casey was a matter of fact as he sent up something at several living room windows, "Are Emma and Molly secure Morgan?"
"Yes, they're down in the cellar with Zondra just in case…what are you doing?"
A satisfied look showed on Casey's face, Setting up portable turrets; should help thin the numbers for when we finally blow the place."
There was amazement in Morgan's voice, "Since when do we have portable turrets?"
"Just one of the things Beckman has been working on…alright, the first wave is headed this way; I hope you both have been practicing because this won't be easy."
"Dad we'll be okay…it took some time but we can fight at heightened speed now. You didn't think all we have been doing is planning the wedding did you?"
"To be honest, that's exactly what I was hoping…anyway, take these comm links because I'm going to snipe from the roof…oh and one more thing: the house is attached to this timed switch; once you hit it you'll have 30 seconds to get away-warn me through the comm link before you do that; otherwise you'll blow me to smithereens-so pick the moment carefully."
Morgan sighed and took the detonator, "Got it, see you later Casey!"
All too soon, at least ten agents were advancing on the house from the front. Casey insisted on letting gunfire start before taking any shot's. Alex and Morgan withdrew their guns, and a moment later there were several loud bangs as a hole was blasted in the wall of the living room from the opposite end away from the windows. Without pausing to think, Alex and Morgan flashed simultaneously-feeling the surge of neurological impulses-as they entered combat; dodging streams of bullets in the process. Being surrounded by agents with bullets coming from several rows back was difficult.
Morgan spoke angrily as he knocked two unconscious while quickly shooting a third dead, "God I just got nicked by a bullet; why do the bad guys ALWAYS use AK-47's?"
Alex sighed quickly plunging a combat knife into the heart of three separate agents that dropped dead instantly, "I don't know, but there is something to knives…that being said bullets help a lot-she shot an agent square in the head who had just charged into the fray with a shotgun.
"Nice shot, you okay?"
"Little banged up but I'm fine."
Casey's voice came through the comm links, "Don't get complacent you two; the next wave is on its way!"
Morgan sounded a little irritated, "Why didn't you help us out and how can you hear both of us at once?"
Casey's voice was gruff and impatient, "I didn't want to give away my position on the first wave and do you really think simultaneous communication isn't something we created; this is a multi-billion dollar operation…just stay alerted!"
Sure enough, the next wave erupted a few minutes later, and the continual loud blast of Casey's rifle could be heard from the roof. Morgan spoke analytically as he eyed Alex with a fierce gaze, "Casey wouldn't be firing this much unless they were coming back with long range explosive weapons…are you sure you're okay babe?"
"Yes, just don't ask me how we've maintained increased brain activity this long…DUCK!"
Just then a rocket came through the opening at the opposite end. Alex had to dive to the floor pushing Morgan there in the process; the aftermath saw the couch blasted to smithereens and Alex landing sprawled on top of Morgan. Eventually, they both staggered to their feet amid remnants of the couch and wood.
"Are you okay sweetie?"
Morgan was panting and disheveled, "Yeah I'm fine; rocket launchers what the hell!"
"Dad what's going on out there?"
"Damn, I thought I took care of them, but someone got by…take that you lousy son of a bitch! I have a few shot's left but, several are still coming, are you okay?"
"Yeah…I'm fine, more or less anyway.
"Listen, Casey, can we blow the house yet?"
"No there's still too many; mostly pistols and an AK-47 but still…"
Given what seemed like no time at all Alex and Morgan became surrounded again. A split second later they flashed together and everything slowed down again. Alex anticipated what came next and set her sights on the agent wielding the Ak-47; wrenching it from his grasp with an upward tug before unloading it on the group with a fire in her eyes reminiscent of her father as the circle fell to the ground quickly.
"The last wave is coming already; what's going on?"
"Uh, Alex got tired of playing defense…how far are they?"
"A couple minutes…time to blow up the house; I'm on my way to check the cellar now."
"We'll meet you down there dad."
"They activated the explosives, flashed together for the third time and waited for the final wave of agents to close in on them…with an unnaturally frantic whisper Morgan turned to Alex with a flash-bang grenade in his hand…
"You should throw this; you're more acrobatic than me."
The moment the last group was closing in Alex did something that made Morgan's jaw drop while he ran with her. She threw the flash bang grenade high into the air and then without a second thought; ran at the nearest exit dropping the agent in her path with a hard sliding kick and then somehow-perhaps on adrenaline-tossed him backward as the grenade exploded. The other agents didn't realize their mistake until it was too late and were flooded with light. Alex and Morgan sprinting away by several feet-10, 9, 8-dodging several reckless bullets-6, 5, 4-dropping to the ground within a safe distance just before it exploded-3, 2, 1, BOOM! The blast was the sound of something like ten cannons going off at once and lingering for several seconds…when Alex and Morgan got gingerly to their feet they found the house gone; leveled in every way possible as fire spewed from what little remained.
"Let's get to the cellar and then we can worry about surviving agents…besides, I'm sure dad is worried."
"Okay…you know, we should have remembered to turn on those automatic turrets."
Alex gave a half chuckle, well…when that many people are surrounding you; rationality goes out the window."
IX
Meanwhile, time seemed to deliberately be moving slow for Ellie-who was unsure of how much time had passed; having come to inside this lab/holding room of sorts at some point-now face to face with Tommy Garza…she wasn't physically harmed but they refused her food. In fact, the only reason they gave her water was to keep her healthy was so she could build an Intersect like Chuck and Sarah's. The situation changed once she told them that squads of soldiers hardly qualified for that kind of Intersect.
Tommy spoke through gritted teeth, "What do you mean you can't create it?"
Ellie gave a wry smile; she clearly had expected to be captured and was showing no sign of fear, "I'm saying you are naive…the human brain on its own is infinitely complex; integrating an OS that harnesses the full power of the human brain is extremely difficult; doing it for an army-that lacks the mental focus and base brain power required-is impossible. Besides, I know why Putin wants it; the increased abilities, but that amount of constantly increased neurological activity HAS to be shared between a pair; there is no way around it."
"We have plenty of-"
"Not just any pair!" Ellie interrupted angrily rising to her feet now, "I can tell without even studying anybody that nobody is balanced enough: angry, hot-headed, impatient, egotistical, naive…do I need to keep going?"
Tommy's was laid back as he spoke, "I see you're just as stubborn as your brother Ellie, but unless you want other problems you'd better attempt to create it…I wasn't going to play this card, but we're still tracking that husband of yours; refuse to cooperate, and we'll be taking him as leverage!"
"Like I said before it won't make you even with Chuck and Sarah so I'll create it as long as Devon is left alone…if I thought it would put them at a disadvantage, then I wouldn't even bother…"
"Nice to know there are some things that will make you cooperate."
"Two things, though: first, I take it there's a decent engineer somewhere?"
"Laszlo Mahnovski is more than capable; of course he hates your brother so that should keep things interesting." Tommy turned to leave laughing maniacally, but Ellie's next question made him turn around and smile triumphantly. Her voice was very matter of fact and casual.
"Where am I anyway; considering I woke up in this room and vaguely remember being knocked out?"
"Welcome to the former home of Volkoff Industries; welcome to Russia. You'll be here for a while too; Chuck thinks we took you to the LA base we held Manoosh in. I heard we left him in pretty bad shape, but you should be glad that you're more valuable than that idiot!"
Tommy laughed savagely as he left the room; shutting the door behind him.
One thought entered Ellie's mind as she sat alone in this deceivingly large room, "they'll pay for all they've done…mom will make sure of it! I have to wait this out as long as possible; we still need her here. Hard to believe that yesterday I was reluctant to leave Clara with Devon's parents…I hope everyone else is okay because nothing seems close to being over…"
A/N: So that's chapter 10! There's a lot coming in the next chapter, and a little of it will be recycled writing. Mary will make her first public appearance as part of the action, and I will deal with the heavy aftermath of this chapter from both sides and set out to rescue Ellie…Morgan and Alex's wedding will likely come in chapter 12 because I am still mulling over how to write that but suggestions are always welcome! Reviews are so helpful:)