Don't own Chuck

Anatoly and Stefan woke up early each had a ritual they performed before a hit. Nothing makes a man more religious then when he's faced with his own mortality. They checked their weapons the night before and now it was just housecleaning they had to get done. When they left the safe house all biological traces of their being there went with them.

"We're making good time," said Anatoly. "Let's go to the Starbucks in the airport and grab a muffin and a coffee."

"Sounds good to me but are you going to have room for a short stack afterwards? You know that's a tradition after a hit."

"Yeah but I was thinking about forgoing it this time. I don't feel much like celebrating this hit. I don't know somehow it just doesn't feel right to go out afterwards."

"What's this Anatoly Mikhailovich is growing a conscious? You know orders are orders and no matter how we feel we have to go through with them. I might be sorry for these two idiots but my feelings don't matter."

"I know and I'm not talking about not going through with it but I'm just saying I don't have to like it. Have you wondered if these guys might be innocent and just patsies of someone else?"

"I try not to think about that it can't do me any good. If you want to go for coffee let's go for it. Maybe a little sugar will help bring you out of this mood you're in."

Stefan drove them around in a late model Dodge van that had LAX Airport Maintenance written in big bold letters on the side. They drove into the back of the airport up to a guard shack.

"IDs and documents," said the guard. "It says here you're supposed to work on the a/c plant. How much do you know about air conditioning?"

"That's what we do," said Anatoly. "Why have you got a problem? Listen buddy most of the time it's something simple like either cleaning or changing out filters. You might need a coolant charge but even that's relatively easy."

"Gee thanks for the ideas. I hate to ask you this but..." The man started to ask but Anatoly already knew what he wanted to ask.

"Normal handymen will charge you an arm and leg for five minutes of work. Tell you what do want us to swing by your place to have a look at it? You can pay us in beer and steaks."

"Great would you? I'd really appreciate it and my wife bought me a new beastmaster at the Buy More. I've been looking for a reason to break it in. Can you believe the salesman told her she was buying it for herself? Here's my address come over anytime on Saturday but steaks will be up starting at noon."

"Great just give us your address and telephone number. You can write it on the back of our work request. That copy stays with us anyway."

"Thanks guy you're a real life saver," said the guard as he waved them through. "You know where the service vehicle parking area is?" Stefan nodded then they drove through.

"Now that was impressive," said as Stefan looked in the mirror at the guard. "How'd you know all that about air conditioning?"

"I down loaded A/C for Dummies off of Amazon through my kindle account last night. And if we have to stay here through the weekend I plan on going over to Burt's place."

"You aren't are you? What's going to happen when you can't fix it? You don't think he might start thinking something's off?"

"Hey he's getting free labor it's a dream come true for him and the worst thing that can happen is I'll tell him it can't be fixed then send him to the Buy More to buy a new one."

"You're a real piece of work sometimes Anatoly. First you were depressed over whacking these guys now you want to go party in a backyard barbecue."

"So if things heat up around here that would be the last place they'd think to look for us at. You know your people did good work," said Anatoly as he looked over the badge. "I guess this isn't the first time they've had to do something like this."

"Each time is different but no, this isn't their first time," said Stefan as he pulled up with all the other service vehicles. "Come one let's get you that cup of coffee." They got out of the van in coveralls with Airport Maintenance written across their backs. Each took a bag and slung it across their shoulder then they made their way to an access door.

"Here goes nothing," said Stefan as he punched in the code his people had sent him. The door opened without any sirens going off. They were in the secure area without having to pass through the metal detectors or x-ray machines. "Looks like we're good to go."

"Now for the coffee and muffin," said Anatoly but as they headed for the Starbucks in the North concourse they had to do a quick turnaround. "That's Casey! What's he doing here? Crap I thought Imma was going to let us know when they were in the airport."

"Give her a break she might not have been able to and besides you were the one who decided to break with tradition. You don't screw with something that works or hasn't anyone ever told you that?"

"Now you're just being superstitious like your granny. I bet you threw salt over your left shoulder this morning before we left."

"So what if I did? It can't hurt anything. You are a grumpy old man until you get your caffeine. Come on this isn't the only place that sells overpriced coffee. I'll get you your fix someplace else."

"I was really looking forward to the muffin. But you can't have everything I guess. Wait a minute," said Anatoly. "There's another Starbucks in the South concourse. Come on let's go."

"Geez I guess so we need to keep track of the time," said Stefan. They had their coffee then went to get in their nests for the hit. Using the ventilation ducts they moved into place where they both could get a clear shot.

Eagle one this is eagle two. I'm in the nest and have a clear view of the jet bridge exit. How are things over where you are? Are you setup over there?"

"The same here I'm setup and ready to go now we have to wait. Remember you have the dumb looking one and I'll take the other one."

"Excuse me they both look dumb. I've got it how about I take the guy and you take the girl. I don't like hitting women and you can think of her as your wife."

"First of all I love my wife and you and I are going to have a long chat about what you just said afterwards. But I hate to tell you but they're both male or at least I think so," said Anatoly as he checked his watch. "Can you see the arrival board to check if they're on time?"

"Are you sure they're both male? You know after Boy George nothing has been the same. Yeah I can see the board they're on track. Don't look now but Casey's walking down this way."

"I see him. Would he have a fit if he knew we were here. I can hear him now going on about those commies. Wait a minute I just thought of something. Where's the rest of his team and Imma? I don't see any of them."

"Neither do I. You don't think Imma did anything that could've gotten her compromised or got her caught? What do you think should I send her a message just to see how things are going?"

"Absolutely not" said Stefan. "Don't if she did get herself compromised sending a message would just alert the Americans that we're here. No, she has her mission and we have ours so let's concentrate on what's at hand."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[The Night Before at Kats]

Everyone met over at Kat's and they had dinner. As Casey promised the meal was wonderful with both Casey and Morgan eating seconds plus Kat found the time to make a peach cobbler that was second to none. After they finished Casey helped clear the table with Kat while Morgan and Alex played host to Imma in the living room.

"So how did you like dinner?" asked Alex. "I don't want you to think we eat like this every day because if we did Morgan wouldn't fit through the door. Like I said at the airport part of this was for you and part for our friends..."

"Chuck and his wife, Sarah is it?" said Imma and Alex nodded. "Yes, I remember you talking about them before. Well I think we should call it a night. Tomorrow will be here before we know it and we should get a good night's rest to face everything we've got to do."

"Yes, I was thinking the same thing, but first a nightcap. It will help you sleep," said Casey as he handed out glasses of scotch. "I don't know if you're used to drinking something that doesn't taste like turpentine."

"Thanks I think I can make do. But I'm so tired right now I don't need anything to help me go to sleep," said Imma as John handed her a glass. She noticed Morgan disappeared then came back from the kitchen but when came back he came back he had a grape soda. "What's that?"

"It's like grape juice and soda together in a can. You want to try a sip," asked Morgan as he offered her his can. "I'll warn you now it's not for the faint-hearted."

"Drink your scotch first it might protect you from all the Troll diseases that are on the lip of that can now." said Casey. Kat elbowed him and whispered in his ear for him to behave. He smiled back. She should've known then he was up to something.

"I'll do the toast," said Morgan. "Well through the lips and over the gums. Look out stomach... Look out stomach, look out gums, look out liver, here it comes," he said as he raised his can of grape soda. Casey just shook his head.

"What an elegant toast there Grimes," said Casey. "I bet you had to study long and hard on that one. What'd you do Google it?"

"So what if I did," said Morgan. He noticed Imma was suddenly not looking too good. "Imma you're probably pretty tired from you long trip. Why don't you sit down? We'll be leaving soon."

"I was thinking," said Casey. "You know maybe it would be better if you spent the night with Alex and Morgan. I'm going to roll out early and if you stay with them then that way you can sleep in a little longer. Yes why don't you just lean back in the couch and let if grab you."

"John, we've got to pick up Chuck and Sarah so we won't be sleeping in that much longer," said Morgan. Casey shoved him out of the way.

"He doesn't know what he's talking about... well almost never," said John as Imma began yawning uncontrollably. "I'll run you over to their house so you can sleep. Their couch is as uncomfortable as mine." She smiled.

"Oh excuse me," said Imma as she yawned again. "I don't know it's like all of a sudden I am really tired. I can't think and I can't stay awake." When Imma dozed off on the couch it was lights out for her.

"John, please tell me you didn't poison her," said Morgan. "How could you right here in front of us like this? You whacked her right in front of us."

"Dad! What did you do? You know the General told you that you were supposed to work with her. You can't work with her if her eyes are closed. What were you thinking? Dad what are you going to tell Beckman when she finds out and you know she will."

"First of all she's not poisoned. She might have accidentally taken a sleeping aid that will keep her down until tomorrow. Grimes, I want to get to the airport before you show up with her so she can't let her team know where we're at."

"What do you mean her team? She didn't fly in with anyone," said Alex. "You think the Russians already have a team in place."

"She said her grandmother sent her text to tell her she was at home then what does she do? She told us at LAX that she grew up in an orphanage. I think she was in communication with a wet team here to feed them information about how to avoid us and how to get at the two lamebrains on the plane. There are other things that don't add up but first things first we need to get the two idiots under lock and key then we can take this from there. And maybe we'll find out the truth."

[The next morning]

Imma woke up to the smell of coffee coming from under her nose. She opened her eyes slowly her whole head throbbed in pain. Her mouth tasted like she'd swallowed a bucket of sand and her stomach felt like it was all still sitting there. Looking up Morgan's face came in focus. He was standing over the top of her. She reached up and grabbed Morgan by the throat.

"What did you do to me?" She said in a hoarse voice. "Did you slip me a roofie? Where am I? How did I get here?"

"If you rip out my throat I won't be able to answer your questions? Here's some coffee," said Morgan. He sipped out of it. "See it's good. Here are some aspirins for your head. I've been where you are at more times than I'd like to admit." Imma let go of him then sat upright. She looked down and saw she was wearing the same clothes she had on from the night before.

"Thanks, I think," she said as she took the coffee and aspirin. She swallowed two then washed them down with coffee. "So start talking before I go back to idea of ripping your throat out."

"Well we wouldn't like that," said Morgan as he massaged his throat. "Your suitcase is next to you beside the sofa. This is Alex and my house we brought you here after you fell asleep."

"Yeah sure I fell asleep. You mean I feel asleep after the sedative took hold," said Imma as she finished off her cup of coffee. "I could use a refill."

"We really don't have time. You need to get cleaned up and then we need to hustle on down to the airport. John left early to scope things out. We're supposed to meet him there."

"I should be grateful that he's even letting me come along I guess. And Alex where is she?" asked Imma as she looked up at him after setting down her coffee cup. "Oh that's right she was going to meet your friends."

"Yes she left earlier too," said Morgan. He saw Imma looking around for something. "Are you looking for this," he asked. He guessed she was looking for her purse. She opened it to check its contents.

"Hey what's up? My phone and weapon are missing. You wouldn't happen to know where they are," asked Imma. She wasn't sure if she trusted Morgan then there was this but she felt if anyone took her things it had to have been Casey.

"The phone might have gotten left behind at Kat's but the weapon Casey took. He said he didn't want a shootout in the middle of the airport with all the civilians around like what happened at the Moscow train station. If you're thinking about threatening me to give you one forget it. I only get weapons in dire circumstances and evidently Casey didn't think this was that dire."

"I take it you've had a friendly fire incident..." said Imma as she smiled at him wondering who Morgan had shot.

"And no one will let me forget it. It's no fair," said Morgan. He checked his watch. "Well it's getting late and we need to go soon or we won't make it on time."

"Yes show me the way to your bathroom so I can get freshened up and made presentable then we can get on the road," said Imma. As she was talking she was thinking about how to contact Anatoly or Stefan. But short of using Morgan's phone there was no way unless... "No I know what I'm going to do," she said to herself. "I'll pick up a burner in the airport.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Beckman was monitoring the flight from Moscow visually from the situation room under Langley. She had the Air Force shadowing the plane as soon as it hit international airspace and was tracking it as it proceeded down the coast of Washington state, Oregon then on to California. It was on its last leg and soon it would be landing when the Major came over to her chair.

"Oh crap, I know that look you have. You always have the same one when things go sideways. What's happened? Don't tell me the flight went down in the Pacific and the idiots are stranded on a strange tropical island with polar bears."

"No ma'am this isn't lost but it could be. The Russians are reporting their hypersonic plane never returned to base and are asking us if we confiscated it."

"That's ridiculous. Now they're blaming us for everything that goes wrong over there. Call Igor and patch his call through to me. Use one of our spy sats then trace the flight path of the plane. Wait a minute first get me Colonel Casey then give me Igor."

"Yes Ma'am," said the Major. A few minutes later he came back. "I've got the Colonel for you he's on line one." He put the Colonel through to the General's chair.

"Yes Colonel Casey I was wondering if you noticed anything odd about the Russian's hypersonic. It seems to be missing and they're trying to blame us for it."

"Well that's nice considering it's a poor copy of ours. There was one thing I don't know if this is anything but we had to let them open up the hatch from the inside because the external hatch latch was too hot to touch. The exterior of plane inflight is overheating probably due to air friction. Over time that friction could compromise structural integrity. Actually it was the base commander at MCSA Miramar who noticed it and he's got years of flight experience. But if we're right you need to look for wreckage along its flight path they probably didn't make it back home."

"That's going to go over like a lead balloon with them. I don't know if they'll accept that as an answer. You don't happen to have an olive branch that I can use with it to help them swallow this pill."

"Well the Commandant said a possible quick fix for this heating issue would be to install thermal panels on the exterior of the plane similar to what we use on the space shuttle for re-entry."

"Well that is something to give them. Thanks you and how are things shaping up out there. I see the flight is on schedule and should be landing soon at your location."

"Yes we're ready to receive them and standing by to take the idiots as well as the case into custody. However, I can't help but feel a little perplexed. We haven't seen hide nor hair of Jasmine or the Russians. That makes me worried that they'll come out at the last minute and try something. But if they do we'll be ready for them."

"Good then I'll let you get back to your job at hand. Beckman out." The General signed out and the line dropped. Casey stood there with his phone in hand. The hair on the back of his neck was standing up which told him something was about to go down. He just didn't know what it was and he hated not knowing.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Jasmine was monitoring the activity in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. That would be the terminal the Moscow flight would pull into. She panned the great hall and the two concourses until she saw two men moving about with airport maintenance coveralls on but she got the feeling they looked familiar. Then she recognized them.

"Oh you two are the guys who've been following me," said Jasmine as she zoomed in on them. She watched them as they ducked into air conditioning ducts.

"I know where you're going," said Jasmine as she went to a split screen and looked at the blueprints for that part of the terminal. She picked up her phone and started to dial the airport hotline to report terrorist activity but she stopped.

"No let's think about this. I see were you two are going and I've got a good idea what your orders are. If I do nothing then I don't have to worry about whacking the two idiots. I just have to let you two do it for me."

"Miss the flight has been given permission to land," said the co-pilot. The aircrew had been monitoring the communications between the control tower and their incoming bird.

"Then we need to go out and greet them."