Don't own Chuck
The following morning people around the Embassy were awoken from their sleep by the sound of a low flying copter. The traffic around the diplomatic site came to a standstill as people stopped getting out of their vehicles and looking up. Chuck hugged and kissed Sarah then he kissed Sam before boarding. The copter rose slowly above the compound walls then headed south towards Naples. The whole operation was done in less than half an hour.
"Morgan, Alex," said Chuck to the two of them, "the pilot is going to take me first to meet up with Casey then he's going to run you two out to the JFC. After we get done with Solfotara we'll meet you there. I don't know what kind of reception you're going to get so just go with it. When Casey and I get there we'll try to sort things out. I'd like you to get satellite imagining up and try to run an IR scan around Pozzuoli."
"Is there anything else you want us to do? It won't take both of us to work the satellites and I don't like sitting around doing nothing."
"You won't be doing nothing if you're with me!"
"Oh Morgan, you know what I mean besides there's a time and place."
"Yeah it's about time it takes place."
"Morgan!" said Alex as she blushed.
"Alex you know Casey would kill me if anything happens you then after he's done Kathleen would finish me off. However, with that being said as you walk around see if you can get a feel of the place. See if anything stands out as being out of place that doesn't mean take any action just make a mental note and let me know afterwards."
"Morgan I'd like you to do some satellite magic. They have an Oracle based system so it should be a piece of cake for you. I want you to expand the search area to include the JFC site at Lago Patria."
"But I thought the threat was over or that's what I heard."
"That's what everyone is saying that it's over. But Novokov is still free and I don't know I just can't get rid of this gut feeling that we're missing something. Both of you keep an eye out and don't take risks."
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Sarah walked into the Embassy after Chuck left where she met up with Emma and Mary who had Sam. Inside Ellie and Devon waited with Molly and Clara with Razib.
"Sarah transport is ready," said Margo as she walked in. "Afterwards can you find me I should be down in il Castello."
"Sure I'll be right there just let me get everyone off first," said Sarah. Margo was being cryptic but Sarah didn't have time to worry about her. Sarah stood next to Razib as he had to say farewell to the girls.
"Goodbye Razib, please write and tell us about your mother," said Molly as she hugged him. "We want to hear how everything goes."
"Razib come and visit us in Chicago, you can bring your mother and stay with us, right Mom and Dad," said Clara.
"Sure Razib," said Devon, "listen I want you to know if this doesn't work out with your mother we've always got room."
Among tears and hugs neither the girls nor Razib wanted to say goodbye until finally Sarah had to tell them it was time.
"Guys, we need to get everyone loaded," said Sarah as she put her arm around Razib. "We need to let them go." Sarah went over and took Sam from Emma.
"Be careful remember your stitches," said Emma as Ellie went over to Sarah.
"I don't care give me my daughter," said Sarah. She felt a stabbing pain as she took Sam in her arms but no physical discomfort was going to keep her from this moment. She held Sam until everyone was in the van then gave her back Emma. Sarah kept telling herself that this was necessary and had to be done but it was hard. She felt a knot in her stomach when the van door closed and her heart sank in her chest when she watched the van leave the compound and disappeared from sight. She was still standing there when Margo came up to her.
"I'm sorry I was just about to come and find you," said Sarah as she realized Margo had been waiting for her.
"Don't worry about it, I just hope you don't mind," said Margo, "but I've called your police contact and asked her to come here and see what she's discovered. If she sees you here this will help you sell your cover."
"Thanks I appreciate your help and this is good because I wanted to limit the time I have to take Razib outside the compound anyway."
"Personally, I don't see how you do it," said Margo, "balancing career and family. Especially the type of work that we do. Although my career compared to yours is a little mundane. I've never been involved in a high speed chase in the middle of Rome or any city for that matter. However, come to think of it no one here has so you've got a first."
"Honestly, I never even thought about family before Chuck. My thoughts were always on the next mission that is until I met Chuck. I was a different person back then and not one I liked but with my husband I'm different… I'm better. He reminds me every day the kind of person I want to be. I was never much into PDA but with him I can be me the real me not an identity that I've assumed."
"I think you're lucky," said Margo.
"I know I am."
"I've never met anyone in this line of work so far that I could afford to let my guard down. If I like them they usually get dead, an occupational hazard. I hear people say your priorities change when you have a kid is that true?"
"I don't know if I would say my priorities have changed as much as I see them clearer and I have something I want to protect and guard."
As they were talking one of Margo's people came in and after excusing himself for interrupting them whispering into Margo's ear then left but not before giving a glance at Sarah.
"What's that?" asked Sarah catching his look. "Is Linda here from the Questura?"
"No Steve Strong is. Were you expecting him because he's upstairs waiting for you?"
"For me! No I'm not expecting him did he say what he wanted?"
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The Navy CH53 touched down on the helipad located next to an abandoned building that for more than forty years served as the Naval Hospital Agnano until it was moved to its new location at the new support site. The helo deck, the back part of a disused parking lot, was now going feral. Chuck jumped out to meet Casey keeping his head down until he cleared the blades. Casey was waiting with Rick next to a group of military transport.
"Hey, Big Guy are we ready," asked Chuck looking around at the uniformed men next to him.
"I hope you are," said Casey as he opened the door to the transport inside Chuck met Esposito and a couple other Italian officers in uniform. Chuck looked back at Casey who just shrugged his shoulders. "Not my idea."
"Agent Carmichael, I'm glad to see you again. I'm sure it was an oversight that we were not invited on your initial search of the Solfotara site."
"Sorry about that but you can understand what an embarrassment it would've been if we hadn't found anything," said Chuck as he got in and Casey closed the door. Chuck looked out vehicle window to see Casey and Rick get into another vehicle leaving him to ride alone with Esposito. Thank God it was a short trip out of the crater and down a dusty road into the one that led to Solfotara. As they got out Casey handed them all gasmasks.
"What's this for?" asked Esposito looking alarmed.
"Protection in case there's any Hydrogen Sulfide gas," said Chuck.
"Yeah, some pretty nasty stuff eats you up from the inside out," said Rick as he put on his mask.
"You need any help putting those on," asked Casey. "Most of the time it's affective but there's always some risk."
"Most! Risk!"
"Yeah," said Chuck, "sometimes they're defective but you need to keep track of the filter colors. If they turn blue that means they need to be replaced that's why ach mask has two. On rare occasions although they both turn blue at the same time."
"What happens then?" asked Esposito sweating, visibly nervous.
"Well, just pray you're not in a contaminated area," said Rick with a muffled voice through his mask.
Chuck and Casey put on their masks then checked the seals.
"John, you need to change out your filters look they're both blue."
"Crap, good thing that didn't happen inside. Hey what are you guys waiting for? We need to get a move on it." Casey removed the filters and replaced them in front of Esposito and his friends.
"You know we can actually wait here or you can just forward us a copy of your report," said Esposito then translated for his two men and they nodded rapidly in agreement.
"It wouldn't be the same as if you came in with us and I wouldn't want you to feel we're leaving you out like you mentioned before."
"No, no a copy would be fine and don't worry we can take care of getting it translated."
"Bunch of Nancys," grunted Casey as the three of them walked into a cave were they were greeted by the search team sent in from the MEU. The three took off their masks and handed them to a corporal just inside the entrance.
"I don't know which one of you came up with that idea but I'm buying the drinks tonight for both of you," said Chuck laughing.
"You're on but we've got to brief the Admiral after this," said Casey.
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Margo escorted Sarah and Razib through the Embassy to a room were Steve was waiting. Sarah could see him pacing back and forth but he couldn't see her. As she watched him all her old anger came boiling up and for a moment she felt like she couldn't catch her breath. She took a moment to brace herself before going in to face him.
"Steve," said Sarah as she walked in with Margo and Razib, "you were looking for me?"
"Yes, I just thought our luncheon ended so abruptly I wanted to make sure everything was okay with you and me.
"I don't know what you expected from one meal and there is no you and me. Steve, I really don't have time for you right now so if you don't mind."
"Is this the boy whose mother you're looking for?" said Steve ignoring what Sarah said.
"Yes, this is Razib a friend of mine."
"He's a lucky boy then. Now about our lunch-"
"Steve, as far as our lunch goes there was a small crisis but everything is under control now. I know Chuck would apologize if he were here."
"He's gone? Where did he go? You know if you need any help with the locals I still have some favors I can pull in for you. I'm sure Razib would appreciate the added assistance."
"Razib would appreciate anything that helps him track down his mother," said Sarah then she pushed Steve into a corner. "Listen, don't use the boy to try to get to me or you'll regret it. If there is something you want to say to me say it but don't use Razib."
"Chill tiger. Come on do you think I'm that low? I thought you knew me better."
"Listen, Steve I've got things to do can we cut to the chase. What do you want?"
"You didn't say where Chuck is? Can I take you two out tonight? It would only be fair after you two had to leave last time."
"If you remember you were the first one who said that he had things to do. Chuck's gone out mission and won't be back until after the ceremony."
"On mission in Naples or that's what I hear."
"If you knew he was in Naples, why did you ask about him?"
"It's my job to know. This is still classified but the President has decided to come to the Change of Installation ceremony. I understand there was some sort of scare in Naples. I was going to ask Agent Silverman what was going on but since we're talking you can debrief me."
"It would be better if you got debriefed by her," said Sarah trying to get Steve to go away.
"Come on, can't we at least civil?"
"Listen, Chuck is investigating a suspect site near Pozzuoli and if you need more than that you need to get an official debrief from official channels," said Sarah looking back over at Margo who walked over with Razib.
"Agent Strong I'm sorry for interrupting, but Agent Bartowski the woman you were waiting for has just arrived. I have her standing by for you as soon as you're done."
"Thanks, I think we're finished. Steve I've got to go and if you need more information you can go through official channels."
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Chuck followed Casey and Rick down a tunnel with two Marines. They made their way through a maze of connective passages. Casey noticed Chuck looking at the walls and ceiling as they walked along stopping every now and then to touch the walls and rub the surface of the stone with his hands.
"What are you thinking?" asked Casey.
"This is a natural formation that's why there isn't any shoring."
"What does that mean?" asked Rick.
"If there was a problem with Hydrogen Sulfide it would've dissipated over a millennium ago. I can't see how Novokov could use this as a serious threat."
"The Mighty Mite is just up ahead," said Casey and as they continued to make their way. "Here we are," said Casey as the tunnel opened into a small cavern. In the middle of the room was a bizarre looking machine that resembled a mole with a large boring bit on the front. Chuck took a flashlight and walked the chamber examining the ground.
"Chuck the machine is here," said Rick thinking he might not have seen it but he couldn't understand how he could've missed it.
"Casey how many people have been in here since you discovered this chamber?" asked Chuck ignoring Rick.
"Not many when we found this we sealed off the chamber and posted guards, why?"
"I was expecting to see a lot more foot prints in the dirt floor considering the number of people Novokov would need to conduct an operation of his magnitude. Also I don't see any signs of excavation if the idea was to open a gas pocket, which so far we haven't found. There should've been some sort of preliminary dig. None of this is adding up."
"You realize the Italians have already written this off a success and people back in DC are supporting them."
"People also thought the sun rotated around the earth. I'm just not getting good vibes here."
"Chuck, you've got to give me something. I can't go to Beckman and tell her sorry General but Chuck's not getting good vibes. She'd have us all carted off."
"I understand what you're saying but none of this is adding up for me," said Chuck. "Let me see the Mighty Mite." As Chuck and Casey got near a red light on the side turned green. Chuck recognized it from Razib's schematics as a self-destruct switch with C-4 attached to a detonator.
"Casey get everyone out now," yelled Chuck as he pushed Casey, Rick and the Marines out of the tunnel, herding everyone ahead of him. They hadn't gone far but far enough when there was a loud explosion followed by a fire ball and part of the ceiling came down. The ground shook like an earthquake and the shaft behind them collapsed sending a cloud of dust and smoke out.
"Corporal check your men and report back," yelled Casey. "Rick-"
"I'm on it," said Rick. Between Rick and Casey an understanding had evolved where Rick at times seemed to read Casey's thoughts. Both men enjoyed the others company but neither would admit it. Rick got busy with the Corporal checking the Marines with them and staging the ones that needed to be evacuated.
"Chuck do you mind telling me what just happened back there? That contraption seemed safe before you got here."
"It had a self-destruction timer built into it. Every day a code was supposed to be entered into it or this would happen. Even if I had discovered it in time I didn't have the code to reset the safety and there wasn't enough time left to hack it. But I bet Beckman will accuse me of breaking toys again."
"What? Chuck head in the game," said Casey. "Well I guess this was the Toy Maker's bomb then."
"What do you mean John?"
"Well Jasmin talked about a code that her father had for the device and this one required one so wouldn't it be safe to assume this was the bomb and if it is then this was what Novokov planned."
"I see your logic and this was a Toy Maker bomb about that there can be no doubt but that it was 'the bomb' we're looking for is another question. The bomb that Jasmin Tazi talked about had already been shipped and the codes were needed to arm it."
"So there could've been another code to arm it and then this one to maintain a safety."
"But why arm it then go through the hassle of having to put in a safety code every twenty-four hours. You have to limit the number of people with the code and you wouldn't want to give it to everyone. Casey, what kind of secret would it be then?"
"Are you sure you're not over thinking this? These people are crazy who knows how they think."
"Maybe you're right John. Novokov is mentally disturbed but I wouldn't call him crazy and in his own right he's an evil genius so if nothing else there's planning and skill that goes behind his actions that I'm not seeing here."
"We need to get out of here," said Rick. "The word came down from above they want a team to come in and check the catacomb's stability before we proceed. Chuck, Colonel the Admiral wants a debriefing at the JFC."
"Chuck remember what I said on the Bataan about rambling," said Casey, "Use short answers and try to stay on topic."
"It would be nice if I could get cleaned up before."
"Do you need to freshen up your makeup, maybe put on some lip gloss?"
"First, I'm amazed you know about lip gloss and secondly Casey I don't know if you realized it or not but we're both covered in sulfur." Casey looked at him with a face that said so what. "Casey, we smell like rotten eggs. Sulfur remember," Chuck began to repeat looking at himself.
"You've got that look again," said Casey, "what is it? Or do I need to slap you out of it, although it might hurt you I would get some personal gratification out of it."
"Thanks John for the offer but I think I'll pass. Rick as we're briefing the Admiral call the Italian Civil Defense Ministry and ask for the data they collect today in the Pozzouli area for seismic activity. What I'm looking for are the seismic monitors they have set up around here. Morgan stream the data back to Langley and-"
"I get it, said Rick. "Have them use the echo to see what is below us."
"Exactly, it could tell us if there are pockets. It won't tell us if there is gas in them but we'll get a better picture about what's going on or at least I hope it does. That would be turning a frown upside down and we can thank Novokov for that. Now we can go brief the Admiral."
The men walked out of the tunnel and back out into the bright sunlight shielding their eyes as they walked over to the SUV. Chuck caught sighted of Esposito and his men still waiting inside.
"Rick, I'm sorry but you need to ride in another SUV and make that call to Morgan. John not a mention to our friends about my theory. All they need to know is that the device self-destructed."
"Chuck, you know as soon as I call the Ministry he'll find out."
"I know but he might think we're checking to see if a breach has taken place."
"And why aren't we," said Casey.
"If I'm right there's nothing down there to breach and this is just an elaborate decoy."
"And if you're wrong."
"John if I were wrong we'd already be dead back in the tunnel from Hydrogen Sulfide gas."
"Comforting," said Rick.
"It would've been nice if you had shared that with the rest of the class."
"I know Casey so you can tell me that you love me one last time."
"Keep it in your pants Chuck and remember what I told you about the Admiral."
The two got in the SUV with Mario and his friends and as soon as Chuck and Casey closed the door Casey's driver began to stiff the air and look around. Casey looked over at Chuck with an expression that said 'what gives'.
"It's the sulfur we have on us," said Chuck as Esposito and his friends tried to roll down the windows taking handkerchiefs to cover their noses.
"Driver," yelled Casey, "drop off our Italian friends then swing by the BOQ so we can get cleaned up before we see the Admiral."
"Roger that Colonel."
It was all Chuck could do not to laugh. Esposito refused to talk because that would require him to open his mouth and breathe in the sulfur air.
