What do we do now…go on waiting
This story is the follow-on to the Chuck vs the Plan Series
Still don't own Chuck. Normal disclaimers apply. Characters and events are fictitious.
"Sometimes it helps to know that you got something to lose."
-Agent Walker, Episode 3.4
Chapter 13—Duck
Imperial House, Bogota
Chuck had just finished talking with Sarah. She had not found anything new yet. They were still following up on the leads they had. Part of the team was going to interrogate one of the buyers of the art pieces that had been stolen. She was going to be called in but at the time did not know when. Chuck was happy she called and she seemed happy too. He was about to ask more about the Cat Squad but Sarah got called away.
He started to close down the laptop when his boss came though. The Honorable John H. Wabash was on the screen. "Chuck, we have another job for you. We have been told to assist in the action to obtain the Senator's elicited funds. They have already seized the funds from the Senator's offshore accounts. The head of the FBI, John Johnson, will be coming down. Johnson will be working with the Columbian government to seize the remaining funds in their banks. Our role and in turn yours is to support."
Chuck blinked at the news. It just didn't sound like something the DNI would do. It even sounded like the DNI was not happy about it either. Chuck waited for the rest of the directions.
"Go with the Ambassador and meet him at the airport. Tell him what you have found about the Senator, including information about the accounts. That is the direction we have been given. Any questions?"
Chuck hesitated but just like the occasional questioning he had with General Beckman, this just seemed strange. "Ah yes, why are we only supporting? It just doesn't sound like something we'd do. I mean…"
The DNI smiled. He liked that Chuck had caught the nuances. "Sometimes…well you need to know. Justice is running this one. Be careful, and keep everyone safe." The screen went blank.
Chuck did nothing for a while. He was a little shock that this was happening. The DNI just did not say 'Be careful,' for no reason and the 'Keep everyone safe' seemed like direction. He called back for Sarah and got no answer. The phone went to voicemail. "Hey, give me a call back. Something came up. Love you. Bye."
Chuck didn't feel good about it. Sarah must be busy with an interview or something. Casey and the team would be too. There was no point trying to reach anyone else there. Chuck sat back and thought about it, 'Keep everyone safe.' It sounded more like direction. He convinced himself to just take care of it.
U.S. Embassy Bogota, Columbia
Chuck was back in his office. He had gone over everything with Zondra twice and made all of the arrangements. He found that he would not be able to use his earphone and the communications net initially. He would have to rely on his cell phone. Zondra would stay behind to coordinate. Chuck mentioned that he had an idea about the end of the CAT Squad but they would go over it when he got back. He said it was complicated and he hoped to have all those involved on a conference call. But when he asked, Zondra still had no idea where Amy was.
They got to the airport with no problems. The plane landed and taxied to where they were waiting. The Ambassador met the Director of the FBI at the bottom of the stairs from the plane. Chuck walked up and shook his hand. "Welcome."
Director Johnson smiled at him, "So, did the DNI tell you about this?"
Chuck answered, "Yes, this is for you should bring you up to speed." Chuck handed him a folder with the information on the Senator and his activities.
The Ambassador intervened, "I am sorry. But even with all these escorts," he waved his hand around at the Columbian security forces that were circling the airport, "this is not really safe." The airport was ringed with security forces. They were on motorcycles and in old jeeps with 50. Cal's. "Even with all this, they can not cover to snipers or mortar attacks.
Chuck nodded and called out, "Yes, I can answer any questions when we get there." He knew this was serious and the protection of the Ambassador and Director was paramount.
The Ambassador and the Director got in the second car of the convoy. Chuck got in the third car. Another of the FBI Director's staff got in the car with him. They pulled out of the airport on to a highway. Chuck considered this safe as they were still in a modern area of the city.
Chuck reached across the seat and shook his hand, "Hi, I'm Chuck."
"Yes Director Bartowski, I was told to expect you. Special Agent Jones, we need as much information as we can get from you about this mess." The man smiled.
"Certainly, I can answer you questions about the Senator when we get to the Embassy."
"So how is the food?"
"If you like Mexican," Chuck saw him nod, "Just drink bottled water."
Agent Jones smiled. They continued for a while looking out the windows.
There were new hotels and office complexes in the area. Soon they had to turn off onto a two-lane street. The area was still nice but mainly large upscale homes. A few miles later the scene changed to older apartments and old run down shops. Chuck knew this would continue for another coupe miles and then gradually change back to upscale estates and Embassy row.
Chuck remembered and looked back at Agent Jones, "Oh just make sure where you or what restaurant, even with other drinks there can be problems. Its best just to get a new bottle and check the seal and the label."
They were driving into the really run down area and smaller streets.
Chuck's iPhone began to buzz. He swiped it and looked at the display. It was starting. He typed 'ok' to acknowledge. He pulled out a SIG P226. Holding it at ready he looked over at Agent Jones, "You might want to get ready. As we suspected, this is going to get interesting."
"The Director?"
Chuck nodded, "I think we have it covered. Well, depending on how much firepower they have." Chuck saw the questioning look. He really didn't have time but knew the question would come, "The station down here pick up an increased amount of chatter. It increased when we found the Director was headed this way. We kind of prepared for the worse. At the next turn, the Director's car will turn into a protect garage. He and the Ambassador will be safe, although a little late in getting to the Embassy."
"So, we are…"
"Going to draw them out. With as much as they put into this, one of their leaders must be involved. I am hoping he'll be with them." He saw Agent Jones get his weapon out. Chuck turn to watch out the window and forced a flash, close combat, urban assault and targets upon targets flashed in front of him.
They rounded the next corner to the left and just as planned the second car slipped off to the right and a waiting garage. The garage door came down quickly. And another car pulled out from the opposite side to take its place.
About a block down the street Chuck noticed a Columbian police motorcycle whiz past. He saw the face. Pushing down the flash, he quickly typed, 'its coming, lead bike, is Cartel.' At this point he knew it was pointless to use his phone as a means of communication. The reasoning for the little ploy was that the locals could pick up radio traffic, and while their communications were encrypted, the locals would be able to tell that something was happening. With the cell phones it complicated matters for the locals. As it seemed everyone preferred cell phones and the amount of traffic was tremendous. But in a tactical situation, Chuck knew the earphones and its communications system was far more adaptive. He put in his earphone, "Copy?"
Vera called back, "Got him. Shooters are beginning to line the roof tops."
"Copy."
"That's it! A bus is coming into the cross street. Duck!"
A gunshot bounced off the front window shield of Chuck's car. "Fire! Commence counter fire!"
The helicopter Vera was in cut loose. One side of the roof top shooters went down. On the other side one of the RPG shooters got off a round. The explosion rocked the front of Chuck's car. The front right tire blew out with the explosion and the car was down in front.
Gunshots were ringing out repeatedly. The lead car was on fire.
Chuck called out, "Vera, you still up there?"
"Yeah, we're back. Had to take some evasive maneuvers."
Just then the phone rang. Chuck could still hear it through the gunfire. He looked down at it and took a giant gulp. Sarah's picture was showing, "Hi, a bit busy. Can I call back?"
"Hi. Yeah, you still playing COD with Morgan? Can you turn down the volume? I can hardly hear you."
A/N A little more background, part of this story was based on Clear and Present Danger. And I was very sorry to see that Tom Clancy passed away yesterday. He was indeed a very great writer of modern military and super suspense and action novels. As noted by the Baltimore Orioles, "He will be missed but long remembered."
Hope you enjoyed the story.