Don't own Chuck

Chuck was in his room looking in the mirror going over his disguise one last time. He prepared himself mentally for this final performance. Playing Perchik never came in so handy as now. Pieces had been moved around on the board now the trap was set. He tied his bow tie five times and it just never came out right. If Sarah were there she'd know how to fix it but she wasn't and he had to do this on his own. That was at least what he repeated to himself. He slipped his Makarov in his belt behind his back then he took a small NAA Guardian slipping it in his jacket pocket. He felt a little like Casey carrying around all that firepower. Doing one last check in the mirror he was good to go. He couldn't figure out what was wrong he should be happy that this was about over but something still bothered him.

Across the yard and past the parking lot Sarah and Carina were helping Zondra who after being shot wasn't in the best of moods.

"I can get dressed by myself," said Zondra. "This isn't the first time I've been shot. Jesus why did that seamstress had to make this dress so tight?"

"Will you let us help you and stop you whining? It will go a lot faster and you won't be so… Well you," said Sarah as Cole laughed.

"What are you laughing at? Just keep looking the other way eyes front love boy and Sarah I still don't see any Chuck."

"He's here I know he is I can feel him. Did you hear the band practice?"

"How could we not, the last time I heard something like that it was coming from a black site interrogation center and I think electricity was involved."

"That was Jeff and Lester if they're here there has to be a reason. Beckman had Lester in custody when we left so…"

"So either he escaped which sure seems the trend nowadays or Beckman sent him and that other guy with Chuck. I hope you're right because we're about to find out," said Zondra as the door opened and guards came to escort them to the party.

As they walked across the green they looked around to count guards and check out armament. This could be their opportunity to turn the tide. The only problem was Zondra was limping so whatever they did someone was going to have to carry her. They finally arrived at the covered area and were taken to their seats at the head table sitting to Amy's right. Augusto was to her left and next to him his brother Enrico. Being tastefully late Juri walked in. He hesitated when he saw Sarah and her heart skipped a beat when she saw him. He nodded then walked up to Cole.

"I bet you don't remember me," said Chuck as he hit Cole with his cane then jumped on him strangling him with his bare hands. "Jacket pocket," Chuck whisper as men came to pull him off. Cole looked puzzled but found the NAA Guardian pistol he hid in his jacket as he got up coughing.

"Juri, what are you doing?" said Augusto surprised at Juri's strength and agility. He was not the old feeble man he pretended to be.

"I'm sorry," said Chuck as he shook off the men restraining him. "I'm in control. I'm okay. I apologize… Agent Cole can explain, this is not our first encounter and the reason I'm limping is because of him. So my emotions got the best of me… Again I'm sorry. I see you've also invited Mrs. Carmichael. Her husband has been meddling in my affairs for a while."

"They're our guests… well let's say they're here like you brought the band but without the small talk in the middle."

"Juri, you wouldn't be here if my husband were here," said Sarah as she and Carina helped Cole. Carina looked up at Chuck then at Sarah smiling. Chuck activated his tracking device then sat down next to Enrico.

"You people are full of surprises," said Juri. "And might I add the future Mrs. Gaez looks quiet radiant this afternoon."

"Folks it's a party," screamed Amy. Jeffster began playing starting off with some ZZ top Sharped Dressed Man then eased into so dance music. The party started rolling in full swing.

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General Beckman had a remote command center setup at the cabin to watch events unfold. She had been notified the same time Casey was when Chuck's tracker went off. She immediately had a satellite repositioned over head to get a better picture of what was going on and what she saw disturbed her.

"Get me Colonel Casey on the horn right away," said the General as she began wringing her hands afraid of another Iran Hostage rescue attempt disaster.

"General, the Colonel is on the line," said her aid as he handed her a headset. She put it on and adjusted the mic.

"Colonel we have a problem an armed convoy just left the city heading towards Chuck's location. The convoy is made up of two Agrale Marruá mounted with Browning M2s and three Land Rover Defenders. From an IR scan I'm counting twenty-two or three paramilitary."

"Is Chuck's cover blown or do they know we're coming? Can you see any unusual activity at the fazenda?"

"No everything seems to be normal and IR scan shows a large crowd under a large cover tent next to the manor house."

"Do you want us to abort General," asked the MEU Commander. "That's protocol if the landing area has been compromised. I'm sorry Colonel the mission, this mission needs to be scrubbed. We'll be sitting ducks until we could get our troops deployed."

"Wait a minute we don't know if this is a friendly or hostile formation coming and the activity at the landing site is normal. There's nothing to indicate our mission has been compromised. I understand what you're saying about watching out for your men and I commend you for it but there's a time to be cautious and a time for action. Now we need action. Let's make a compromise; I'll take one bird in with troops. We'll secure the landing area for the rest of you."

"It's your neck but I'll ask for volunteers. We'll land and divide up but Colonel you're responsible for my men and I want them all back."

"If this goes sideways one good thing is I won't have to listen to you say I told you so. Let's do this. General is this agreeable to you?"

"The MEU Commander is in charge in the field so if it's okay by him then it's okay by me. Keep me advised. Beckman out.

"John, I'd like to come along with you," said Kenny. "I can handle myself and I've done these kinds of drops on narco traffickers."

"I can't stop you. I just hope you've got your life insurance policy paid up to date."

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Chuck sat at the table watching over everything unfold calculating how long it would take the council to meet then put in action their ruling. He started looking around the room and watching the guards for any telltale sign. Lester was doing his version of Sheena Easton's for Your Eyes Only and Chuck just had enough. He signaled the maître to serve everyone at his table from the bottle he brought.

"A toast to Amy and Augusto that married life brings them everything they deserve," said Chuck as he downed his shot then threw his glass on the ground to break it.

"Thank you Juri you know I was thinking after the wedding I can give you Cole to do with as you like. A good will gesture from business associates."

"A good will gesture Augusto. I've got one I hope you don't mind me asking, I'd like to ask one of your guests to dance." Chuck didn't wait to hear Augusto's answer. He had been separated from Sarah long enough and now nothing was going to get in his way. He walked straight over to her and put out his hand. The guard behind her stepped forward and grabbed his arm. Chuck flashed. He rolled under the man's arm popping off his hand then went straight for the man's throat grabbing hold cutting off oxygen and blood. It happened so quickly no one but the people at the head table knew what happened.

"Juri go ahead and dance. I'd prefer not to deal with a dead body at my engagement party," said Augusto coming up from behind him.

"I let you and your friend touch me before because I was in the wrong but this time is rude. If we were in my country that hand of yours would be mine now and I'd have you wearing it like a necklace but this is a festive occasion." Chuck let him up then offered Sarah his hand again. "Mrs. Carmichael I hear your husband is a good dancer you can tell me how I measure up."

"I'd like not to but if I have to," said Sarah. She still took Juri's hand and went out to the dance floor. In the background Jeffster began playing Golden Eye as Lester became a reasonable Tina Turner lookalike.

"Chuck what are you doing?" Sarah whispered in his ear. "You're going to blow your cover. We shouldn't be dancing and what about your limp Juri."

"I don't care and if you listen to the words of the song it says I'm tired of being left behind. I'm taking you all out of here."

"Chuck we've got a mission or I've got one I supposed…" Chuck cut her off.

"I know what you're supposed to do and I know what I'm doing, I'm taking my wife home," said Chuck. He noticed activity among the guards near the door as new ones substituted the old ones. Pieces on the chessboard were moving quickly now and he had to ride the wave or risked getting drowned.

Back at the table….

"Juri's limp seems to have healed," said Amy. "Sarah didn't seem to argue very much against going dancing with someone who was supposedly her and her husband's arch enemy."

"What are you saying love? He's not who he says he is? Enrico got a call from his Russian contact who vouched for him."

"I don't know… I just don't know. The Sarah I knew would've taken a beating before she'd gone out on that dance floor. The only person she'd dance with would be… my God Chuck!"

"Chuck, you're cover's blown," yelled Carina as guards started to move behind Amy and the Gaezs. Chuck pulled out his Makarov tossing it to Sarah.

"Pineapple," yelled Chuck as Jeff tossed Chuck a guitar case with an HK MP5KA4. "Play it!" Jeffster started playing Live and Let Die.

"Really a fight theme song Chuck," said Sarah as Chuck started taking off his make-up. He handed Sarah the HK then walked up to face Amy and the Gaezs holding a switch in his hand.

"You might recognize this as a dead man's switch. I take my finger off this button and the room goes boom. You see under the tables are charges I had installed," said Chuck but he saw they weren't buying it. "A small demonstration is needed I see." He turned the ring with a finger then pressed in as small charge went off close to the door at a vacant table. "Now I think I have your attention."

"You're not going to get out of here. My men have this place surrounded and in a little while they will be coming through that entrance."

"I hate to tell you but your men probably have either turned or are dead. You see the council has issued a kill order on all of you if you doubt me ask the guards by the door." As Chuck mentioned them they raised their weapons to fire but Sarah took them out. "I hope you see the irony in this that we have to protect you from your own people."

"What did you do?" Suddenly automatic fire opened up outside the tent as the two Agrale Marruás opened fire with their Browning M2s

"Jeff throw me those grenades," yelled Chuck. Jeff tossed them to him then he looked at them and flashed. He pulled the pin with his teeth then as soon as the browning made a hole large enough he threw one. There was a loud explosion and one gun went silent. He could see the other one was pulling back to get out of range so they had a small window of opportunity.

"If you want to live follow me. Enrico carry Zondra, Cole cover the rear Jeff and Lester please try and keep up." Chuck led them out of the tent then exploded it. The flames and smoke provided them enough cover to get to the main house.

"Can you tell me what's going on now," said Amy. She drew a pistol and pointed it at Chuck. "You ruined my party."

"Put it away," said Sarah as she put the barrel of her pistol to the back of Amy's head. "I have some payback coming." Armor piecing rounds started ripping through the walls.

"Down," yelled Chuck as he dove on top of Sarah and Amy rounds cut through just above them. Chuck held them down as broken glass, mortar and wood fell on top of him. There was another explosion outside and the gun went silent. Casey had arrived in time.

"Stay down Sarah let me check to see what's going on," said Chuck as he helped Amy up then took her off with Augusto and Enrico Gaez. When Sarah got up she was coughing as Cole and Carina came looking for her.

"Are you okay?" asked Cole as he fanned to clear the smoke. Lester and Jeff walked in the room covered with dust.

"Wow talking about bring down the house. This is way too cool. Oh crap Roscoe! I lost Roscoe in the confusion."

"Well, it's got to be free," said Lester as he patted Jeff on the back. "And if it comes back you can eat it Jeff."

"Zondra, how's Zondra," asked Sarah. "Is she all right?"

"Yeah she's in the other room we left her leaning up against a fire place. But where's Chuck? Where's Amy and the Gaezs I thought I saw them with you guys?"

"They were right here. Chuck was with me then he told me to stay down that he'd be right back. Please no, they didn't take him," said Sarah as she felt a knot in her stomach.

"Taken? Who got taken," said Chuck as he walked in from another room covered with dust. Sarah ran over to him and threw her arms around him kissing him.

"Yuck I should've known what you two would be up to," said Casey as he walked in the room. "At least this time you let me scratch my finger. Where are the prisoners?"

"Would you believe me if I told you they escaped," said Chuck. "It was kind of hard to keep up with them and not get shot." Sarah gave him a look.

"What I don't understand is what did the Gentle Hand turn against them? They broke them out of prison then do this?"

"That would be my fault I added an addendum to their depositions that named names and implied if they hadn't been rescued then they would've spilt their guts. The elders couldn't tolerate a traitor among them. Casey I had a toast with the council at the end of the meeting."

"Good for you and I could use one too. But I'm still trying to understand how you let Amy and the Gaezs get away?"

"Well you can pick up the council because I put microbots in the rum. If you use a tracking satellite you can just go and pick them up. They can't hide from you."

"Cool. I'll let Beckman know she's going to have kittens when she finds out. By the way she's been staying at your cabin since you left. She won't admit it but she wanted to make sure everyone one was safe especially after the incident."

"Well I've got to arrange for a return flight and face the music," said Cole. "John, can you find us a ride into town that is Carina if you want to come home with me?"

"Do you even have to ask," said Carina. "I don't care what Sir Reginald says. You're my hero. You came for me and I'm going to show you how much I appreciate.

"If you need a band Jeffster is free and ready to rock," said Lester. "Wimbledon, Buckingham palace we can work you guys into our schedule."

"Yeah, especially if you've got brownies I like brownies. Has anyone seen Roscoe?"

"Beckman's been staying at the cabin since the incident? Chuck, what's Casey talking about. My God those pictures, Amy did send a wet team after everyone."

"It was nothing, a few guys and we took care of the team before anyone got hurt. John ran over one guy with his Crown Vic."

"Yeah, ruined my wax job but I hear we've finally taken off the training wheels and moved up to the big league."

"What are you taking about?" asked Sarah as she looked at Chuck and Casey. Chuck shook his head for Casey to be quiet.

"We need to get to the airport. Cole, let's take one of the rovers I'll drive. Casey, you can bring Lester and Jeff back with you. Oh crap Zondra, we forgot about Zondra." They went to the room they had left her to find her engaged in conversation with Kenny.

"I think she's in good hands," said Sarah. "Let's go home we've got a tree to get or have you already gotten it." Chuck explained how he had Devon and Morgan buy the tree when he left as they drove to the airport.

"We'll decorate it as soon as we get back," he said as they climbed on board. He got permission to take off and they were soon in the air heading back to Burbank. Sarah went in the back and got cleaned up then she walked back to the cockpit.

"Chuck we're in the air so we can talk. There's something I need to confess when Kenny called you I was with him. I'm sorry but I just couldn't talk to you then I was… well I wasn't… Chuck. Chuck?" When she got inside she found he had the plane on autopilot and he was sound asleep. There was no telling how long he'd gone without sleep now he could finally relax and he was out to the world. She walked over and kissed him then sat down next to him. Chuck was exhausted he slept almost the whole way back waking up only when he heard tower control over the radio in the cockpit.

"I guess I was more tired than I realized," said Chuck as he realized where they were. "What have I missed? Has Diane yelled yet?"

"Yes the General was happy and angry at the same time," said Sarah as she reached over and took his hand. "Hey are we all good?"

"Sure, why shouldn't we be?" said Chuck as he answered tower control getting their landing instructions looking back over at her.

"You know I'm a spy too and that…" She started to say was a real all good but he cut her off.

"Please not now, yes we need to talk but not now. Let's get us down first there are people who want to see you."

They landed at Bob Hope and taxied over to their hangar where they shut everything down then deplaned. Sarah thought Chuck was too quiet and she wondered if he wasn't mad at her. Hoping for friendly faces Chuck debarked but instead was met by General Beckman.

"Everyone is still at the cabin so I offered to give you two a ride there and you can debrief me with what happened along the way. Colonel Casey briefed me about the microbots, good work we're rounding the council up for the Gentle Hand as we speak. Do you have any idea where Amy and the Gaezs ran off to?"

"Not a one but I have a feeling in a couple of weeks they'll be turning themselves in at Supermax so I wouldn't expend too much agency resources looking for them."

"How do you… I don't want to know," said the General. "Let's just get you two out to the cabin with the rest. They're waiting."

"If you don't mind General can we run by the Buy More first I need to take Sarah somewhere before we go to the cabin. It's important or I wouldn't ask."

"Chuck, are you sure? I'd recommend doing this after Christmas. But the decision is yours," said the General as she had her driver make the detour.

"What's going on? Chuck, why are we going to the Buy More? Chuck you're scaring me and I don't get scared."

"We're not going to the Buy More," said Chuck as the pulled in front of the tree lot. He got out then helped her out.

"Agent Carmichael I'll be waiting when you come out. Are you sure you want to do this? It's not too late we can just go on out…" Chuck closed the door then led Sarah into the lot.

"I know this place. Chuck this is where I killed Mauser and almost lost you. Chuck what's going on? Is it because I didn't call you? I was with Kenny when he called you. I couldn't talk to you because well I was acting like my old self and I… Well I knew you wouldn't approve and..."

"Shush, I know you were and I know what you did but you don't know what happened to me. Sarah it happened there," said Chuck as he pointed to the spot where she had killed Mauser.

"Right I killed Mauser there. I'm sorry…"

"No I killed Mad Max there one round through the head. We drew I was faster. Actually Morgan saved me he distracted Max for a second but that was the second I needed. It was… well not like the movies. Sarah can you still love me? Who am I?"

"What? Of course I can. You're my love," she said as she hugged him. "You came for me and you let Amy and Augusto go. Don't deny it, I knew you were lying when you told Casey you didn't know where they were and now what you told Beckman."

"Yes, in the end they did what they did because they were in love and wanted to get married. Could I deny them that? They will turn themselves in with Enrico in two weeks if they're still alive. There's a hit out on them so the safest place for them right now is in Supermax. I figured they could use the time for a honeymoon and if they don't turn themselves in I slipped them some microbots that have a delayed activation."

"I love you Charles Bartowski," said Sarah as she kissed him.

"I love you too. Let's go we've got a tree to decorate."

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On an average 36,000 people die each year from complications relate to the common cold but this new cold that was coming was far more deadly. Events where unfolding in Russia that would call team Bartowski to action once more and this time they'd need more than bed rest and hot toddy.

Continued in Chuck vs The Cold