Don't own Chuck
Roan didn't see any reason to pass up free caviar and besides it would be an insult to Igor if one of them didn't attend. So he said to himself it was up to him to bite the bullet and sacrifice himself for the team. He put on his best evening wear, a black tuxedo with black bow tie and matching cummerbund. He checked himself out in the mirror then was off. His ride was already waiting for him when he walked out of his town house.
"Where to," asked his driver. For the evening he'd rented a limo for the occasion. If you're going to walk the walk you have to talk the talk.
"Let me check the invitation again," said Roan. "Oh, the Hotel Continental, it's a good thing I checked I thought it was supposed to be at the Russian Embassy." He sat back and relaxed as the limo zipped through Washington traffic. There was something special about the city at night.
"We're here Sir said the driver as he pulled up among a fleet of other limos that were dropping off guests at the hotel.
"You can go home I'll make my way from here and I might even go home. Who knows what the night will bring." Roan gave the driver an extra tip then went inside.
Roan walked into the lobby where he stood for a moment to catch the attention of those inside. A man in a hotel uniform came over looked at his invitation then was directed to a room off the atrium. Inside people were milling about dressed in evening attire with waiters carrying serving trays with blini and caviar. The trays had cards that explained what kind of caviar was being served and there was a lovely woman who gave further details.
Roan walked around a master at small talk he was able to chat and hunt at the same time. He picked up canapé from the trays with the very best caviar. Starting with some rare sterlet roe and going on to beluga sturgeon that swim in the Caspian Sea while staying away from the whitefish and the North Atlantic salmon.
"I see you need no explanations," said the woman. "I'm sorry my name is Natasha and I was hired as a sort of maître for this event."
"I wouldn't call myself an expert I just know what I like," Roan said as he grabbed two glasses of champagne passing by. "Here, for you."
"I really shouldn't," she said as she took it. "But it would be rude to refuse a guest. Here let me return the favor," she said as she waved for a waiter to come over. "I want you to try this."
"I'll try anything once. What is it?" asked Roan as he watched her take some caviar from an iced container.
"Caviar is delicate you should never use metal utensils when serving it. The metal can oxidize and ruin it," she explained as she spread a healthy amount on a blini then fed Roan. "This comes from my home town. What do you thing?"
"Mmh, this is about the best caviar I've ever had. You know I think I could taste your sea in that bite but I'm sure I can see your skies in your eyes." He said as he brushed her hair back.
"Are you trying to pick me up mister…. I'm sorry I didn't get your name."
"Roan, Roan Montgomery and I think we're way past pick up, don't you. This is almost foreplay and who knows what the night holds in store."
"Mister Montgomery what kind of woman do you think I am?" said Natasha with an impish look on her face.
"The kind I'd like to know better," said Roan as he grabbed two more glasses of champagne but as he was about to hand one to Natasha he saw Diane pass through the crowd.
"Thank you," said Natasha as she took the glass from him. She noticed Roan looking at a woman walking through the crowd. "Is she someone you know?"
"What? Who? Oh her well yes. It was nice meeting you," said Roan as he hurried off looking for Diane. He searched everywhere but there was no sign of her yet he was sure he'd seen her.
"Crap, it was her," he mumbled to himself. He ran over again in his head what she said about having to see a mission through maybe he just imagined her there. However, when he tried to find Natasha she had disappeared. One of the waiters told him she went home early because she had a headache.
"Such is life," he thought. But he made a mental note to question Diane to see if she hadn't changed her mind. "Maybe he ought to go back to Langley and find out for himself."
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It was early in the morning when Kim and Park walked out of the boardinghouse. The street lights were still on even though it was light enough to see out. They drove down the dusty main street until they pulled up outside the Mining Offices. Kim walked into Blanchard's office to find him drinking tea and eating breakfast vegemite on toast.
"Get your things together you're coming with us," said Kim as he motion Blanchard to hurry. "You can finish eating on the way.
"Where do you want to go this early in the morning? Oh don't tell me you want to run out to the MacDonald farm?"
"Okay I won't tell you but that's where we're going. I need to make sure they're bottled up and put the fear of God in them. They've had a free hand to do what they want. Well I'm going out to tell them those days are done."
"And you think going out to their farm and threatening them will work? It's more likely to get us shot."
"That would be you shot because you're the one who's going to deliver the message," said Kim as Blanchard gave him a look like he was crazy. "You were told to follow our orders."
"Actually I was told to give you support," said Blanchard as Kim pulled his weapon and held it down by his side. "But again you could argue there's not a lot of difference."
"I'm glad to see you're a practical man," said Kim as he holstered his weapon. "Come on Park is waiting outside in the SUV."
"Do you think this is absolutely necessary?" asked Blanchard as he got in. "I mean don't you think they'll want to shoot us on sight?"
"No, I think they might be as curious about us as we are about them and besides we're going to offer them a way out. Don't worry I'm going in with you while Park covers us with a sniper rifle."
"That changes everything, why didn't you tell me that before," said Blanchard as he wiped the sweat off but inside it didn't. "What could go wrong?"
"See now that's the spirit," said Kim as he looked at Blanchard in the rear view mirror.
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A few hours before...
Chuck was still asleep on the porch sitting in the chair when he was woken by the smell of coffee and the sound of sheep baaing. He looked up to see the flock being herded out and there was an invasion of chickens with the rooster who had greeted him with a loud cry.
"Buddy, be glad Colonel Sanders isn't here," said Chuck as he got up and stretched. John came walking up carrying a pail of milk.
"It's about time you woke up," said John as he walked by kicking his chair. "Are you planning on sleeping all day? There are chores that need to be done and can you tell me how that change got stuck in the side of the shed?"
"John, you know somethings never change," said Chuck as Lizzie walked out with a cup of coffee for him.
"Here I thought you could use this," said Lizzie as she handed him the cup. "You know you could've slept on the couch. I think it would've been more comfortable."
"I didn't want to bother anyone and someone needed to stand watch," said Chuck as he sipped on his cup. It was just what he needed.
"Stand is the operative word there," said John as he walked back out. "I don't think sleeping in chair counts as standing."
"Whatever the case John we've got guests coming," said Chuck as pointed at the dust cloud coming down their drive. "Here," said Chuck as he hand Sammy his cup. "Go get me that spear you were talking about last night."
"What are you going to do with that go local on them?" said John as a Range Rover pulled up. Sammy ran back out handing Chuck the spear and thrower. Right behind him came Bill hobbling out.
Blanchard was the first one to get out then Kim behind him pulling out his piece holding it down by his side. The two walked up towards Chuck and Casey then Blanchard went up to Lizzie and Bill.
"I'm here to offer you a deal. This is a one time offer tell these people to leave and I'll guarantee you and your family's safety. You can even keep your land you just have to send these people away."
"And what will you do to them," said Bill. "Not that I trust a thing you've got to say. The way I see it is if they go you guys come in and… Well we know what your word is worth."
"If it makes you feel better I'm willing to put it all in writing for you," said Blanchard as he held out a piece of paper.
"Will you extend that to all the farmers and close up the mine then go home," said John. But he knew the answer already.
"I can't make a deal like that. I need to call the Home Office to get approval and all that takes time but I could ask."
"And pigs can fly," said Bill. "You've got some nerve showing up out here like this. What's to say we don't end it right here."
"They've got insurance," said Chuck. "I'm guessing you've got a sniper somewhere covering us to make sure things don't get out of control. I think I saw the reflection from his scope over there," said Chuck as he pointed Park out.
"Very good," said Kim. "I'm willing to offer your people an out. You go and we'll let you leave or we'll bury you here."
"Listen Kim, I didn't run from Fulcrum, the Ring, Volkoff, or Hydra so I'm not running now," said Chuck then he heard a helicopter in the distance. Crap, he thought Sarah was flying into a trap. He immediately switched off his emergency beacon.
"You look a little pale there Chuck. I hope there's no one important in that helicopter because you know I can't let it land."
"I think it would be better if you didn't try to stop it," said Chuck slow and deliberate wanting Kim to hear every syllable. He squeezed the spear hard in his hand white knuckling it.
"What are you going to do to stop me? A rain dance. I think I'd like to see that."
"I'm warning you call off your sniper. Remember while he's shooting at the chopper no one's covering you or Blanchard."
"You might try something but before your friend can shoot me I'll shoot one of the MacDonald's, maybe the kid."
There was a loud bang from on top of the knoll. Chuck knew one of Kim's men had the chopper underfire.
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Verbanski got Sarah up just before sunrise so they could get ready. Sarah called Morgan and Alex to make sure they were up and to remind them to bring plenty of water not just for themselves but also for the Range Rover. In addition she told them to keep their vehicle topped off, gas stations were few and far between.
"If you're done holding their hands and packing their lunches for school can we get in the air," said Gertrude. "You sure you feel up to flying this thing?"
"I got this, you just make sure your gun does jam," said Sarah as she climbed in the pilot's seat and began gyrating rotors.
The Bell UH-1 lifted off kicking up red sand making a small red dust storm in its take off. Sarah checked her pressure and controls.
"Are you ready back there?" she yelled as she looked over her shoulder. Verbanski gave her a thumbs up then she dipped the bird's nose heading into the rising sun across what looked like a Martian landscape.
"Geez, I wouldn't want to get lost out here," said Sarah as she dropped the visor down on her helmet to block the glare. Outside temperatures were rising quickly.
"Yeah there's not a lot of water and the creatures out there just about all of them can kill you. Not a very friendly place to go take a stroll."
"We'll beat Morgan and Alex by three or four hours," said Sarah. "So if you want to use that time to get John by himself to reminisce I'd go for it."
"Reminisce about what? We had what we had and now... well I really don't know but I certainly don't want to talk about it with you."
"That's fine by me but I'm just saying once Alex gets here she'll be stuck to John like glue. So if you want a little one on one time you need to take it now."
"And what do I do with Kathleen? You don't think she's going to want to keep John all to her lonesome. I guess I could tranq her for three or four hours."
"No you're not going to tranq Kat. I think if you two talk this out she'll let you have time alone with John. The more you talk to him about the way he used to be the more triggers will fire and you just might jog his memory back. Chuck did it for me... That is if you were talking to me about John."
"Okay funny I get your point but I don't know if he'll want to remember me or all the things we've done together now that he's go the American dream."
"That I can't tell you you're going to have to ask him but one thing is certain if he had it before he doesn't remember it now. What I'm saying is if you really care for John you should have his best interests at heart and try to help him now in his hour of need. You should put aside what you want from him and help him to understand what he wants."
"And what if what he wants is Kat and not me? I'm not a very good looser as a matter of fact I don't think I've lost anything and I don't intend to start now."
"Really," said Sarah as she bit her tongue. She had a few choice words she'd like to tell Verbanski starting with there wasn't much room left in the chopper with her ego onboard.
They continued to chat as they ran across the desert flying towards Chuck's location. Then when they were a few miles out his signal stopped transmitting but they continued on.
"That's strange," said Sarah. "Chuck's signal just died. What do you think that could mean? I hope that doesn't mean he's in trouble."
"I wouldn't go getting worked up," said Gertrude. "It could mean a lot of things. The first being Ward forgot to charge his batteries." Just then a bullet came whizzing through the cockpit shattering the glass.
"Sniper," Sarah yelled as she began evasive maneuvers.
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Roan kept track of the waiter carrying the beluga sturgeon. He tracked him like prey moving him about by waving to him or indicating someone who want something off his tray and each time the waiter arrived he found people already sampling. The waiter at one point disappeared into the back where he placed his caviar bowel on ice then went for a break. Thus, Roan made sure his prize stayed intact.
"Good time to move in," said Roan to himself as watched the waiter go in the back to take a break. The man took his caviar bowel covered it with plastic then set it in an ice bowel before leaving out the back to smoke.
"Smoking is a bad habit," thought Roan but he identified the waiter as a chain smoker by his nagging couch, the nicotine stain on his teeth and fingers as well as the ashtray smell he had on his breath. When he left Roan knew he had time.
"Now for a magic act," said Roan as he pulled out of his jacket a small container he emptied the bowel into then sealed it putting it in the thermal bag he had with a chem pack that he activated to keep his stash cold.
"Diane will be happy with me tonight," said Roan as he started to leave the kitchen when he noticed a short redhead passing in the back. He only saw her out of the corner of his eye but he could've sworn he'd seen Diane.
"I know I didn't have that much champagne," he said as he made his way back out into the crowd. He had done enough milling around and rubbing shoulders for one evening so he left the room. But he couldn't get out how much that woman looked like Diane.
"No it couldn't be her," said Roan. "If she had come she would've told him. There was no reason to keep it a secret... or was there. Well if she was meeting someone unofficially like Director Trotski then maybe yes but Igor's my friend too... well friend's a big word," he said as he pulled out his phone. There was only one way to solve this.
"Hello Diane, are you still in the office? ... Yes I remember you said you had this mission to take care of. Well I'm in a taxi on my way to Langley now and I'm bring with me some of the evening's finest. ... No, I couldn't get the sterlet. It disappeared as soon as they brought it out. But I do have beluga sturgeon that swim in the Caspian Sea a few days ago. ... Good, so you've got crackers. I wished I could've grabbed a few of the blini but I guess saltines will have to do. I'll be there in a few and put your taste buds on standby." Roan hung up then looked at the phone as he thought about how odd it was that he should see a Beckman look alike at the Continental.
"Yes strange indeed," he mumbled to himself.
"Did you say something sir," asked the cab driver as he looked back at him in the mirror. "You still want to go out to Langley?"
"Yes, yes... I was just talking to myself. You know what they say it's only a problem if you start answering," said Roan as they both laughed.
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Chuck heard the gunshot then saw the chopper and recognized Sarah's flying style. He had Kim standing in front of him with a smug smile with his weapon at his side watching Casey to see if he was going to make a move. The person he should've worried about was Chuck. Chuck knew he had to do something and he had to do it now.
"I warned you," said Chuck. Kim was about to say something but he was cut short by a jabbing pain in his thigh. Looking down he had the spear stuck in his leg.
"Drop the piece or I pull this out. Right now I've severed your femoral artery and the spear is keeping you from bleeding out but if I remove this you'll be dead in seconds," said Chuck as he broke the spear shaft. Chuck got up close to speak into Kim's mic.
"Hey, you up on the ridge," said Chuck as he talked into the mic. "You left your boss high and dry down here with that shot." Chuck took out Kim's ear piece and put it in.
"I swear I'm going to kill you all," yelled Park. There was a shot and the ground kicked up dirt in front of them.
"Listen the spear tip was coated with snake venom. If you don't get him to a doctor within the next hour he will die. The tissue around the wound will dissolve and his flesh will rot away. It will be a very painful and horrible death. Do you want to save him? It's that simple."
"What do you want?" radioed Park. Chuck could tell he had him. "If he dies I'm going to come back with our men and we're..."
"I hear your threats but you're wasting time which is something Mr. Kim here does have much of. This is the deal I'm putting Kim back in their vehicle then Blanchard will drive out of here and pick you up. You three leave and just before you're out of radio range you call me and I'll tell you what kind of snake it was so the doctor can make sure your boss gets the right serum."
"How do I know I can trust you?"
"You don't but when you call I'll be able to tell if you're really in the SUV and if you're truly gone. If you don't know what kind of snake it is or Blanchard remembers they put an Australian copperhead in the hen house here you have to know there are three types of Austrelaps. You give him the serum for the wrong one and you might as well have the doctor fill out a death certificate."
Chuck got Kim in the vehicle then Blanchard drove away. Chuck waited then Park radioed him and he told him the snake was an Austrelaps labialis. After switching the beacon back on he waited then began to panic when there was no sign of the chopper.
"Come on Sarah," he said as he searched the sky.