Let us do something, while we have the chance.

Still don't own Chuck.

"Sometimes it helps to know that you got something to lose."
--Agent Walker Episode 3.4

Chapter 14—the Rehearsal

Casa Bartowski

Chuck set it up for the complicated part first. There were actually two rehearsals. The first rehearsal was a communications and command center check. It was scheduled for 8 PM Pacific. The next rehearsal was in the morning at 5 AM Pacific and 8 AM Eastern. It was a check to ensure all units were ready and within 30 minutes of their targets.

Ellie had come over to the apartments after work and insisted that she would get a dinner ready for all and that she and Devon would be at Chuck and Sarah's apartment by 7PM. Sarah agreed, but told her that there was an event that started at 8 PM and they had to be ready for it. Ellie and Devon prepared meals for the people still at the conference room and then got her dad and Philip to join them in Chuck and Sarah's.

The meal was an easy one and the conversation stayed away from the up coming activity. Ellie began the discussion of wedding preparations wondering, "How much have you been able to get done?"

Sarah and Chuck looked at each other. The only thing they had agreed was what they had discussed that morning. It was certainly not something you'd bring up in front of your sister or your dad. Sarah recovered first and offered, "Well, we were set up to get the license work done, but we were side tracked."

Chuck interjected, "We should be able to get things done in two days. But I am not sure yet, whether I'll be able to leave here."

Ellie smiled back at her brother, "There are still a few things we can get done without you. And in two days we will have our four-day break. We can help you." She saw Sarah's look of concern. "Don't worry. I remember. We'll try our best to make it as easy as what you did for us at the beach."

Sarah replied, "That would be great Ellie. Hopefully, I'll be able to start right away in the morning. And we'll see what we can get done without Chuck having to be there."

Ellie and the guests left by 7:45 PM. Steven stayed behind to help Chuck with the communications set up in the apartment and then left for the conference center.

At precisely 8 PM the communications and command center check began. Everyone came up on the respective networks and conference lines and did their roll call checks. Message traffic was confirmed and then video both live at the various conference rooms and teams. A couple of tweaks were made along the way. One that Chuck asked for was that a sign be placed in front of the conference cameras so that he would know which center was being displayed. The tactical cameras already provided an ID tag and Steven and Sarah's analysts had designed and implemented a solution that would tag the feeds with the information Chuck needed as a crawler along the bottom of the screens.

The next part of the check was designed by Chuck and for Chuck. He knew he had to be able to process the data as it came in. They were potentially going to be flipping between the hundred sites with information being presented as fast as he could see, read or hear it. And then provide direction. The rules were simple. Any use of force would be reported through the centers and to Chuck. In those cases, where an anomaly in the opposing force was noted, it would be presented to Chuck with video of the action. Chuck would if possible provide additional direction. He told everyone again at this conference call that tactical control still resides with the on scene team lead.

The first report came in, showing contact with a force in San Diego. Mary was helping with the inputs there. The previous mission was on the screen showing gunfire on the deck of a ship. Mary began, "Upon initial contact, we have fire from the bridge and aft. Count is seven shooters. Coast guard air support is beginning counter fire."

The screen then shifted to a warehouse from last time with Halverson men returning fire on the position held in this scenario by Kayle and Lea. Close ups of the shooters began coming on the screen along with the girls being held in that warehouse. Chuck was struggling with this. He knew some flashes could be started by this sequence as some of these pictures had been inserted by his dad from other files. Chuck watched the scene unfold as Kayle came on-line and said, "Unusually high level of return fire. We have seen at least twenty men returning fire. Hostages may be involved and have weapons in hand."

Chuck saw the first picture that could cause a flash. He was trying hard to concentrate on what Kayle was saying when the picture was shown. His concentration paid-off. He did not flash, but had what he later described as a mini-burst and saw the rap sheet on the shooter. When Kayle finished his report and another picture was shown, Chuck began a flash. He tried hard to control it, but found it was related to the warehouse scene and let it continue. Happy that it was more along with the normal flashes in the past, it lasted less than a minute and showed this man to be one of Halverson's higher ups. He had been involved in recruiting people into the organization and in particular training girls to be assassins. Halverson had it developed as a nice little sideline for the initial product offered to Fulcrum. The next picture confirmed that information. It was a picture of a girl from the previous raids. Chuck said, "Kayle use the Super Cobras to take the doors. The girls aren't hostages. They are a part of the Halverson force. They should be considered snipers in this case."

Kayle confirmed that, "You're right. They have taken position and are firing on our people." When he read the script, he thought it odd that it said to wait until Chuck had given direction. But now he understood.

The remaining firefights followed the same path. There were several pictures that Chuck's dad inserted which he knew to be in the Intersect. Every third scenario had branching to it. Some would include multiple pictures with likely flashes and one key that would lead to another decision point in the firefight.

While the scenario part only lasted thirty minutes, Chuck was sweating at the end of it and his heart rate was close to 120 beats per minute. He felt good about the exercise and let everyone know that he thought it was a success and to be back on-line 15 minutes before the rehearsal for a communications check.

Steven came down to the apartment. He approached Chuck's bed, "Aces Charles, Aces. You got each of the surprises in the exercise. And as Casey and I set up the script, you picked the right decisions. How were the flashes?"

Chuck explained, "You were right. I had to concentrate really hard on something else, but I held some of the flashes to just one file. It worked mainly when something was going on and I was listening to someone. There was at least one time that nothing was happening and I started a flash on a common criminal, a hit man for a gang, and it lasted longer than I needed. But I think that was because I was not concentrating on something."

"Great, I thought it should work that way from the start. But you always seemed to have full flashes. The Intersect was originally designed to show the most common piece of information and then add to that from the bits and pieces presented by the files from various agencies. While we had some slow parts in the scenario, I think you should find that the events tomorrow will come fast enough to keep you focused and concentrating. This should work," Steven smiled at Chuck.

"Thanks Dad. I do feel better about being able to handle this." He saw that smile in his dad, "You knew that would work, didn't you?"

"Well, I could. I never understood why you weren't able to. But then, your flashes do seem to be more comprehensive and pick up all the pieces. Right now that seems bad because of your condition, but really that is a good thing. I am sure you would not have been able to tie all of the MS, Ring and Halverson operations together if you couldn't go long on your flashes." He patted Chuck on the shoulder, "You did good Charles."

Chuck over at Sarah. He could see her concern, "Well, I guess I ought to be heading to bed. We'll be up pretty early tomorrow and things will be going fast."

"Okay son, see you in the morning. Goodnight Sarah." He smiled at her, "You'll do fine. He'll be alright."

"Thanks Dad," Sarah hugged him and saw him out the door. Doc Adams left at the same time. Chuck and Sarah headed up to the bedroom to get a six-hour rest before things started in the next phase.

Chuck heard Sarah moving around and was still trying hard to get an extra five minutes of sleep before the day started. He found her snuggling against his side and began to turn to his left as best he could. He was careful moving his left arm high and over her head. Then he moved to her and pushed himself to her. Waking up in a kiss was worth the extra five, especially if it lasted that long. He smiled as they opened their eyes.

Sarah asked, "You ready for this?"

"Yeah, it should be okay. I'll have Doc Adams and Dorothy watching me the entire time and you can see what is happening. But you'll be pretty busy too."

"I know," Sarah knew that she still had control of their teams and for this operation there were twenty other city team leads that were reporting to her.

Chuck knew she was concerned. He was too. With this big of an operation there was a good chance someone was going to get hurt. He was going to try to minimize it and convince the opposing force that they had so significant an upper hand that if they did not surrender it would be near suicide.

Chuck moved closer and kissed her again. "We'll do well and our teams will too."

Sarah nodded and got out of bed. She went first to the bathroom and got ready for the day. Chuck was next. They got down stairs and Dorothy was already at the door. She checked Chuck over and redid several of his bandages.

Chuck and Sarah got in position. Chuck was back in the bed. Sarah had a desk set up next to him on the left side of the bed. Doc and Dorothy could get to him from the other side of the bed where the monitor equipment was set up. Chuck was happy that his dad had already set up the conference call. He could hear the units calling in and establishing their connections. He began checking the status reports that had come in. Looking at the status board that his dad put together he could see by city whether the units were in position and had their equipment.

At fifteen minutes before the appointed time they began their communications checks. Each member reported into their team lead who then reported into the lead for that site and on to the city, region and then Chuck. Each of the leads tried point checks directly with individual members and Chuck did the same.

Chuck also confirmed through his models that what he saw in the flash on Atlanta the day before was the case. He sent his email to the principles explaining that the intelligence he obtained indicated that the Ring at Atlanta may well be their headquarters and that they may have information of this morning's operations in Atlanta. He explained that they were moving to operation to begin at 8 AM Eastern.

When that was completed Chuck came on-line and began, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we will be beginning our operations. There will be no rehearsal this morning. First we are going to do a quick check to make sure everyone is ready to go now. Our operations start as soon as we get everyone in position. I would like everyone to confirm their personnel and equipment status first. Then we will have all units move into position. When we are ready I will give the okay to begin.

"Please remember that while we certainly have the weapons to start a small war that is not my intent. Our doubling of resources and weapons available from the Armed Forces is to initially be a show of force. But so you understand, I have no intention to let them continue a prolonged shoot out with the possibility of any of you being wounded or killed. I will direct engagement of the opposing force.

"No wait. Opposing force were not the right words to use. These people are evil, destroying lives for sex and money. They people who are helping them are traitors trying to over throw our way of life. We will bring these people to justice," Chuck finished.

Casey was down at San Diego with Mary. He smiled at what Chuck had said. He had planned to say something to the forces under his command but decided that they had all heard Chuck and would understand. Casey was in a command and control mobile van along with Phillip. Actually it was several of them linked together. He sat looking at his screens with one rack devoted to Mary and her team. Chuck had been very explicit about Mary's protection. Casey was to swing all fire power to the protection of Mary if it seemed that she had been singled out as a target. He checked on Mary.

Mary was with her team by the docks. Mary and LT were going to take the Halverson receiving area and the Fulcrum building was next to it. The Chief was leading the force to the Ring location about two blocks away from the Halverson area. Mary and LT were at a Navy warehouse away from the area. They would deploy when Chuck gave the word. Mary would go to the Halverson building and LT would go to the Fulcrum site. Mary was getting the status report from LT, the Chief and her uncle.

Phillip was in charge of the backup force. His unit consisted of a few boys from the ranch and another FBI SWAT and a special Customs and Border Protection. They were in the parking lot by the trailers. Phillip had thanked Chuck for the opportunity to lead a unit on this operation. They were close enough to backup Mary and he could provide advice through the command trailers.

Chuck was checking the status panel as it reconfirmed that all the units were equipped. He also got a reply from his boss that he was cleared to proceed early. He went on-line again, "Everyone, we have a go. All units proceed to your starting points. I expect to give the execute order thirty minutes from now."

Chuck continued to look at the results of the models. They were continually updating. Since each of the sites in the raids today was under some surveillance, the model provided a few useful bits of information. Earlier it had confirmed what Chuck flashed on at Atlanta. This morning it confirmed that the ship going into San Diego was pulling in and would be in position when the operation started this morning. Chuck relayed the information to Mary and the others in San Diego.

When he was done he looked over to Sarah, "You doing okay?"

"Yes, are you okay?" she said with a smile back.

"Fine. We'll do great. Remember if I start flashing for too long and something is happening you direct the action. Doc Adams will let you know." He saw Doc Adams give him a thumbs-up.

Alice got a thumbs-up from her FBI SWAT leader. They had moved into position down the street from the Ring Garrison building. That was their target. Another SWAT unit was on each of the roads leading to the building. Alice polled her people and got reports that everyone was in position and ready. She also got the report that the UAV was in orbit and F-16s were on station.

Kayle and Lea were on station near the Halverson building. They had an FBI unit with them and the LAPD had begun to cordon off the area. Kayle had received the reports from his units and was reporting in.

Chuck got Kayle's report and saw that the status board was almost complete. He checked his feeds through his computer and the screen on the wall. Everything was working fine. He switched the scenes to review the units as they began to finish reporting in.

Steven was watching the units roll by on the scene in the conference room. He had one of the displays set up as a mirror image to what chuck was watching. So it displayed not only what was on the scene in Chuck's apartment but what Chuck had for video on his laptop. Liz had another scene and her laptop connected to the model and Mr. Wiggins and the analyst shop. Eldie had a display with the units and individual people rolling through.

Chuck finished rolling through his scenes as the last unit reported in. The status board now showed all units ready to go. Chuck asked, "Okay everyone, all units have reported in. Any problems out there?" He waited to see if there were any replies, "Okay, one last chance." He looked over at Sarah. She nodded. "Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your execute order. Begin your operations." He knew there would be a couple minutes before first contact and said a small prayer.

Sarah saw him and said, "Say one for all of us."

San Diego started it. When Mary's SWAT lead went to the door, his second knock on the door was met by gun shots. Two shots hit him in the vest and threw him to the ground. LT did not get to the door of the Fulcrum building. It flew open with gun fire spraying the street. LT made it behind an old oil drum.

Mary began to report in, "This is Mary at San Diego. We are under fire from the Halverson building and Fulcrum location. Most all windows and doors are being used as firing positions. We have one man down and cannot get to his position."

Chuck knew this was too fast. They had to have seen Mary's teams coming. He sent a quick note to Liz, 'Search for enemy surveillance in the San Diego area. Check air sources.' He switched over to the surveillance of the ship that had docked an hour before. The scene showed men coming down the plank, some with rifles visible. Next he opened his line on the net, "This is Chuck at central. Casey, have one of your units take the ship. They are unloading and they are armed. I believe that is their back-up force.

"Mary use of force against your targets is authorized. Also, be prepare for attack from rear," Chuck was watching some of the other operations begin to unfold.

"This is Liz at central. Casey, track identified as hostile in your area. Track ID is 56277. A probable UAV." She saw the email from Chuck, "You are cleared to engage. Good hunting." Casey sent the track to the closest Super Cobra and the UAV was dispatched while over the harbor.

While Mary had the Super Cobras launch against the two buildings, Casey reported, "This is Colonel Casey. We are engaging forces at the ship with additional support. The Coast Cutter Whitefin is engaging and the Special Forces unit has surrounded the force deployed from the ship. And Phillip is deploying his people to cover Mary."

The Chief had reported in that the three people at the Ring facility surrendered with no resistance. Chuck saw a screen shot of one of them and confirmed with a mini-flash that he was Ring. The same was true for Kayle and Lea. They reported that sixty occupants appeared to be victims. Alice's camera showed the one person who met them at the door and immediately surrendered. But as they entered the building someone shot at them. That person was downed by return fire. Chuck again confirmed that the first person was Ring. Alice and her team began to search the building.

From around the country the reports and actions were a mirror of that from California. The Ring agents generally surrendered. The thugs supporting Halverson or MS usually fought and additional force was immediately brought to bear. Chuck was busy all the time and used mini-flashes to confirm the identity of the individuals captured. He was happy that the building at the Atlanta campus was taken without incident and the students led off in other vans.

The Ring headquarters turned out to be a bust. They captured two agents and two others decided to make a stand. But there were no other people there. Chuck told the NSA unit dispatched to Atlanta to secure the equipment.

But today's real problem became apparent after Alice reported that they discovered a tunnel from the Ring building that emptied out three blocks away. Alice complained that it wasn't on the building records. Chuck was sure he heard Casey say; 'yeah, that's why they call it a secret tunnel.' The video from Atlanta displayed at that time showed a computer monitor with Chucks address.

A/N Hope you enjoyed. Got to have a cliffhanger once in a while. Please review.