Don't own Chuck
John and the rest made their way down the access tunnel fairly quickly. The only resistance they met along the way was cobwebs. Casey couldn't help the feeling that this was odd. The cable in the tunnel was the source of energy for Abu's operation without it nothing would work yet it was left unguarded. Abu up until then had been very cautious and never played the odds now this. Something wasn't right.
"Am I the only one who's hair is standing up on their neck? This just seems too easy," said John. "I don't like this. I don't like this at all."
"I was thinking the same thing. Where is everyone? We haven't seen a soul," said Banai as they continued on down the tunnel.
"Maybe you guys are just over thinking it," said Marsh. "Who is this guy some super villain out to conquer the world?"
"Something like that or at least a hunk of it," said Banai. "I'm sorry I'm with Casey something here just doesn't feel right. Abu wouldn't be this careless not with something this important to his operation."
"What do we do turnaround and find another way in or keep on going? We've come too far now just to give up," said Marsh. "Let me send two men ahead of us to act as an advance guard. If anything happens we'll know it before we get there."
Everyone agree then two of his seals took off ahead of the group. The rest waited a few minutes then headed out following the tunnel. They hadn't gone far when the guys up front radioed back saying they'd hit an impasse.
"What kind of impasse did they say they found?" asked Stefan as they made their way down the tunnel. "John, if you put your back into it I'm sure you can clear the way for us."
"If hot air could knock down walls then we'd be where we need to be right now," said Casey as they continued on until they reached the advance party and discovered what they were talking about. The cable ran through a wall and next to it was a hatch that seemed jammed.
"This should make you guys feel better. See not so easy after all," said the Lieutenant as they walked up to have a look.
"Before you guys say anything we tried it and it won't budge. I think we need to blow it," said the one guy as he patted on the steel hatch.
"Why don't we just tell them we're for Orkin and that someone reported a rodent infestation," said Casey as he tried the wheel.
"John, I don't want to repeat myself but I think..." Stefan started to say but Casey gave him a look as he tried but the wheel wouldn't budge.
"So help me Stefan, if you say put your back in it I'll kick you back out the tunnel," said John as he let out a big yawn. "Oh! Where did that come from?"
"You should excuse yourself and cover your mouth," said Stefan as he yawned too. "Your yawning is contagious... see. I'm don't know about the rest of you but I'm getting awfully sleepy. Something is going on."
"Me too... my eyes," said Banai. "It's gas... we're being gassed. They know we're here. We need to get out now," he said but he tripped on his own feet and fell to the floor.
"We can't give into it," said Imma as she tried to run but she tripped over some of the Seals who were out cold. "No, we have to fight it. Get up we need to go back out. Come on get up," she said. But her head was spinning and she felt unsteady on her feet then sat straight down passing out.
"No, we need to go," said Casey. "I need to move. I can't be taken like this. Come on John you've been in worse situations... move it. Shake the lead out." But his legs felt like they were glues to the floor. His head started spinning and he dropped.
The door opened and men walked in dressed like astronauts in space suits. They went and check on each person administering an injection to make sure they were out. As they worked blowers kicked in and ventilated the shaft. Soon afterwards men came in loaded them onto the back of carts then wheeled them away.
[Later in prison cells]
"Banai... Banai are you all right," said his men as they stood over him shaking him until he slowly opened his eyes. "Wake up!"
"What? Where am I? What are you guys doing here?" said Banai as he looked around at his men standing over the top of him. Then he remembered.
"They brought you in a little while ago with those other people. The best we could figure out was you guys had been knocked out by some sort of sedative or something like that."
"Gas... it was gas they used. Where are the people that were with me?" said Banai as he tried to get up but the room began to spin around so he had to sit back down.
"Will you people hold it down," said Casey as he stood up. "I've got a headache that Excedrin couldn't take care of. I'm not in mood for all this gibberish. Where are we and who do I need to kill?"
"You're in a cell with us and the men from the island they turned into force laborers," said one of Banai's men. "Tell me there are reinforcements coming for you guys?"
"Sorry one riot, one ranger so what you see is all that you're going to get. Have you people tried to get out of here? How are the bars put in? Are they cemented into the wall?"
"We tried them and they're in solid so you're not going to be able to dig them out, if that was your plan. The only way out is the cell door and the only time they opened that was to throw you guys inside."
"What's going on," said Stefan as he and Imma started to come to along with the Lieutenant and his men.
"Well we don't seem worse for the wear which means Abu needs us for something. How were you people taken?"
"We were sold out by a fishing boat captain who ferried us here from the mainland. As soon as we stepped shore we were grabbed. Abu is going to use us or try to use us to negotiate the release of his men that are being rounded up in Iran."
"I wouldn't hold my breath on that," said Banai. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the government's position is they don't negotiate with terrorists."
"Then we're dead. We already watched them execute one of the workers because he was too tired to work anymore. They just shot him then dumped him down that trap door at the end of the hallway."
"Not if I can help it," said Banai. Casey wanted to point out to him that he was in no position to keep that promise and there was very little they could do from where they were.
"We'll do what we can do," said Casey as he put his hand on Banai's shoulder. "Hey any of you guys know a man whose son goes by the name Grigor?"
There was a silence as the men looked at each other. They were obviously too scared to say anything so Casey repeated his question. Finally, one man spoke up.
"My son is Grigor," said a man as he came near the bars on the other side of the cellblock. "How do you know my son? Please tell me he's okay?"
"The last we saw of him was okay. He asked me to make sure you were okay and I agreed to help you escape from here..."
"I think you need to escape before you think about me. Listen mister I just want my son to be safe. If you get out of here don't worry about me just take him off this island with you. We have relatives in Boston who will take care of him. Please you need to get him out of here before he ends up in here with us."
"Everyone just sit tight and wait. One way or another we're all going to get out of here. I don't know how yet but we will."
"What? You're not going to mention anything about the fat lady not singing yet?"
"Stefan, keep it up and you could be the first one of us out of here," said Casey as he cracked his knuckles. "That is when I shove you through the bars."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Chuck was woken the next morning to the sound of his cell door being opened and two goons came and got him. Pushing him out the door. He wondered where Abu and Ettore were but he figured he'd find out soon. They walked out of the cell and as they made their way Chuck tried to map out the layout of the tunnels in his head but as they continued to walk Chuck started to get nervous wondering if the two idiots hadn't decided to get rid of him but he seriously doubted it. However, the thought stayed in the back of his head.
"So guys any hints as to where we're going or how long we'll be. I have to be back in my cell in a half an hour. I've got an appointment with a roach. He's bringing a deck of cards and we're supposed to play poker."
"Shut up and keep on moving. The boss wants to see you that's all you need to know," said the one goon as he shoved Chuck.
"Hey careful with the threads. Well to tell you the truth I really wasn't looking forward to playing cards with him. He cheats but if you say anything he scurries off offended."
"What part of shut up didn't you understand," said the one man. "If I break your jaw then you won't be able to talk."
"And then your boss will be pissed at you," said Chuck. "I'm sorry but I can't help it. When I'm nervous I talk. Maybe if you guys tell me where we're going I might calm down and shut up."
"We're going to the laboratory to see the boss. Now does that make you feel better and will you shut your hole."
"Thank you, now that wasn't so difficult was it," said Chuck as they walk down the passageway he felt a cool breeze and smelt salt in the air. So he decided to try something and turned off following the sea scent.
"Hey, where are you going?" yelled the one. "That goes back to the boat moorings we need to continue on straight."
"Sorry, I thought I knew the way. I don't know how you guys can keep all this tunnels straight. I think I'd be constantly lost down here," said Chuck but he'd found out what he wanted to know.
"In the beginning it was a little difficult but after a while you learn," said the one as the other man gave him a look. "What? You're just mad because it took you longer. I didn't tell him about the time you called me for help because you couldn't find your way out."
"When I said shut up I also meant that for you," said the other man as he barked. Chuck could tell he was getting under the man's skin which was what he wanted.
"I'm sorry for getting you mad. I really am but you have to admit having to call your friend to find you is pretty hilarious. It was a good thing you didn't need to go or that would've presented a whole different scenario."
"Who says he didn't," said the other guy. "We had to go by the bunkrooms so he could change on our way out."
"Okay that's enough also for the fact we're here," said the guy. "You and I will have a chat in private when this is done," he said to the other goon as he opened the door and waved Chuck inside.
"Wow, you have been busy little beavers," said Chuck as he walked into the laboratory that was a missile silo too. "So you've put the Iranian missile together," he said as he noticed all the aspirin bottles thrown about on the floor.
"Don't yell so loudly," said Abu as he and Ettore came out from and adjoining room carrying cups of chamomile tea. Ettore had a cold pack taped to his forehead wearing a pair of dark sunglasses.
"Ettore, you look like a reject from ZZ Top. Have you ever heard 'Cheap Sunglasses'? I take it my warnings were just wasted breath. You went and did what you wanted after all. I bet you two feel like crap."
"But we got the missile together... well almost," said Ettore as he stepped in front of Abu who coughed then walked around in front of him. "Right sorry... you wanted to talk."
"But now we want you to finish up for us," said Abu as he was talking the silo doors opened and the warhead was gently lowered down in place.
"You expect me to attach that for you? You really have been flashing too long. First of all, I won't and second of all I don't know if I even can. I told you I needed to study the couplers."
"Come with me," said Abu and already Chuck didn't like his tone. He followed Abu out of the room and down a hallway that spiraled downwards. "As you know this place was built by the Nazis who used force labor to construct this..."
"Which I noticed you continue using. What's the matter you didn't want to get your own hands dirty? Or do you think your people are some sort of Übermensch?"
"Something like that but why do manual labor when you can order someone to do it for you. And it helps keep the morale of my men up..."
"At the expense of someone else," said Chuck. "I assume there's a point to this discussion or are you just rambling trying to justify the unjustifiable."
"Here we go this should put things in perspective for you. This is where they used to house their prisoners and work force. Have a look around and see if you see anyone you know." Chuck walked back the corridor of cages. He was disgusted and angry at Abu over the way he was treating these poor people. Then he saw Casey, and the rest.
"John... guys, how'd you end up here?" said Chuck as he ran to the bars but one of Abu's men was there to make sure Chuck kept his distance. Banai, Stefan, Imma guys you shouldn't have come here."
"I need an answer from you now. Will you install the warhead for me or do I need to make an example out of one of your friends?"
"Chuck, no you can't give in to him. You know he's never going to let us go," said Casey. "I don't want you to do this for me... for us. This is about more than just us."
"I think we've got a candidate for our public execution. Shoot the man with the big mouth," yelled Abu as he giggled like a kid.
"Oh no you don't," said Chuck as he pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and showed Abu the image he'd drawn with vegetables he'd smashed to make a paste. Abu had a seizure and dropped to the ground. The guards looked at each other wondering what was going on. One of them had the sense to grabbed Chuck while another helped Abu up.
"I ought to kill you for that," said Abu as he got up red-faced dusting himself off. "But I think I'll take my anger out on your friends."
"You do that and I'll never help you or better the first chance I get I'll activate the warhead and turn this rock into a navigation hazard. I'll do this for you but only if you guarantee their safety. I also want them feed decently not the crap you've been giving me."
"Chuck, what just happened? You're not telling me he's got something he's not supposed to have," said Casey. "How's that even possible?"
"John, we're in Bulgaria," said Chuck as he shook his head no. Abu had him shoved out of the room and into the passageway.
"That's enough you're trying my patience. Take him back to the lab and have Ettore watch him as he works. I need to go to the radio room and make some calls."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sam ran out of the kitchen as fast as she could then through the dining room. She traveled as fast as her short legs could carry her as she made a beeline for Jack's office. She hit the lobby and was running across it when it happened. She didn't see the sign that said 'look out wet floor'. Her body lagged behind as her legs flew out from under her. She made a loud bang as she hit the floor and kept on sliding. The back of her head hit the marble hard and all she could see was double for a while as she laid there.
"Are you okay," said the receptionist as she ran around the counter to check on her. Sam just looked at her as little birds flew around her head.
"Wow, it's just like in the cartoons... tweet tweet," she said as she fought to get up but the woman wouldn't hear of it and held her down.
"No you need to stay where you are until someone can look at you," said the woman. "You go get Mr. Burton and have him come here right away."
"I've got this," said Margo as she pushed her way through the crowd. "I thought you were told to stay upstairs in the suite until further notice? I see you're up to your old tricks."
"I was but I... I had to get some... some... Oh, I had to get something but I can't think of what it was right now. Listen, I check myself out and I'm fine. I need to..."
"You need to come with me and you'd better have a good excuse of Emma. I was just up there and she's looking everywhere for you," said Margo as she pulled her up to her feet
"Well she didn't look everywhere, because I'm here and this is somewhere so she didn't look everywhere or she would've found me."
"If I were you I wouldn't get that smart with her. Emma isn't in the mood and neither am I so come along with me I'm taking you back upstairs. No excuses."
"No, wait a moment I have to tell you something," said Sam. But as she started to tell Margo what she overheard she saw a bus boy standing outside the dining room looking right at her then she noticed his shoes.
"Oh no," she said as she took a deep breath. They were the same as the guy who had been pushing the cart she'd escaped on.
"Well what did you have to say that couldn't wait or is this another one of your excuses," said Margo. "You know your pranks are started to wear thin. Come on let's get you up to your suite and put a cold compress on that goose egg."
"Yeah let's do that my head is starting to hurt," said Sam as she watched the man watch her. She grabbed Margo's hand then went over to the elevators almost pulling her along.
"What's gotten into you? First you sneak out then you can't wait to go back up. You are on strange little girl. How hard did you bump your head?"
"What can I say? I'm five years old... it's my job to try your patience. Well, I came down to get some fresh air. I got it and now I'm ready to go back up," said Sam. She noticed the busboy was talking to another man she didn't like the looks of then she noticed the bulge under his jacket. "Where's that elevator when you need it?" She took a deep breath when she saw the goon start to walk over at them from the other side of the lobby.
"Where's that elevator," said Sam as she looked up to see what floor it was on then she looked back over at the man heading for them.
"Relax, the elevator is almost here," said Margo. Suddenly the doors opened up and they got on Sam hit the close door button and they doors started to close.
"Phew that was a close call," said Sam as she heaved a sigh of relief. But just when she thought the coast was clear a hand appeared in the door and it opened again. There stood the man.
"Oh momma!" said Sam as she looked up at the man standing next to them. He smiled back at her with one gold tooth that shined in the light.
"Let's take the next elevator," said Sam but she was too late. The doors closed on them and now they were alone in the elevator with him going up on what was going to be the longest elevator ride she'd ever been on.