Don't own Chuck
Sarah slept through most of the flight to Chicago and when she did wake up she felt extremely tired and weak. Then went she went to the lavatory she felt dizzy so dizzy she had to sit down and wait for it to pass before she made it back. She tried to play it off but Ellie stopped her on her way back to her seat and force her to sit with her.
"Sarah, I don't like the way you look," said Ellie as she block the aisle. "Sit her for a moment and let me check you out." Ellie looked over her shoulder to make sure the girls were distracted. "Now tell me how you feel and I mean how you really feel."
"I feel a little tired and weak but that can just be stress, nothing to worry about," said Sarah as she tried to get up but Ellie pushed her back down.
"I think we can add dizziness to that list. You seemed a little unsteady on your way back here before and why did you stop as you were walking? Do you feel shortness of breath?"
"I don't know maybe a little. But I'm probably just coming down with something. Maybe it's a cold or the flu coming on? Nothing major so we can go back to our seats."
"This isn't the cold or flu season," said Ellie as she took her pulse. "You've got rapid heartbeats. I want to add to your blood test they check your iron level. You know it's not unusual for a woman to develop anemia when she's pregnant, especially if she doesn't eat properly. Your body needs to produce more iron rich blood to supply oxygen to you and to your developing baby."
"But that assumes I'm pregnant and we don't know that for sure yet," said Sarah but Ellie gave her a look. "Well we don't."
"We'll know the answer to that soon but there are different types of anemia. In your case there are basically two types of anemia Iron deficiency or Folate-deficiency. You know what Iron deficiency is but Folate-deficiency... well women sometimes they don't get enough folate from their diet. When that happens, the body can't make enough normal red blood cells to transport oxygen to tissues throughout the body."
"Again you're assuming I'm pregnant. Like I said this could just be me coming down with a bug or something. Let's not go jumping to conclusions."
"Sarah, I don't want to scare you but I think you need to take this a little more seriously. Folate deficiency can directly contribute to certain types of birth defects, such as neural tube abnormalities such as spina bifida and low birth weight."
"Okay you've got my attention so say you're right and I am... you know pregnant and I'm anemic what's next? I guess I'm asking what the treatment is?"
"Well, if you are I think it has more to do with lifestyle than anything else so I'd started with iron or folic acid supplements then have your OBGYN monitor you and keep track of your iron levels as a part of regular checkups. I think one thing that you can do right away that will make you feel better is start taking prenatal vitamins."
"You think it could be that simple," said Sarah. "I took them when I was expecting Sam and I did feel tired but nothing like this."
"Every pregnancy is different and before you say it I know I'm assuming you're pregnant. Let's started with the blood test and I'll see to it you get both an iron and a Vitamin B supplement for a week then when the test comes back you'll already be on the road to recovery. Sarah, I'm telling you all this because we care about you. Your family, you're a part of this family and we take care of family."
"I know and I appreciate it," said Sarah as she started to get up.
"I don't know if you do," said Ellie as she caught Sarah's look. "I mean know or understand. For a long time it was just Chuck and me against the world. Family was just us, we had no one else. I tolerated Morgan like a family pet but then I met Devon. I worried about Chuck being alone especially after Stanford and Jill but you came along…"
"I know I've brought a lot of baggage with me."
"No, I think that would've caught up with us even without you. Our fates where sealed the day we were born. You helped bring us closure with our father and mother. You're my sister."
"Thank you Ellie," said Sarah as they both watered up. "You know in this job I've had to spy on people, families and I've always felt like I was outside looking in. But now I'm finally inside. I don't know if I'm making sense but... well just thank you."
"Hey what's going on back here," said Devon. "Sorry for interrupting hun but the co-pilot came back and said we were about a half-hour out of Midway. I've got friends in the ER tonight who can do up the blood work."
"Crap I promised Chuck I'd have you call him when you woke up. I'm sorry Sarah I know you told me to wait but I couldn't so I called him while everyone was asleep. He and Casey were flying to Costa Gravas when I call with Mom and the General."
"Is he okay? So the mission is over? I... we should've stayed and we could've all flown back together. Is he mad?"
"Not at you," said Ellie as she handed Sarah her phone. "He knows everything and is... well very upset." Ellie moderated her language when she saw a bunny fall out of a seat and little hands reach out to pick it up. "Devon come on I think Clara and Sam are awake. Sarah, we'll be watching the kids.
"Thanks," said Sarah as she dialed Chuck's number. The line cracked then someone answer. "Chuck, sweetie is that you?"
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Chuck and Casey were almost at Costa Gravas flying over the Atlantic. It seemed they had put all the bad weather behind them and below was a black mirror reflecting the moon. Chuck took over flying the C-130 so Casey could go back and see if he could stir up some coffee. Mary and the General had gone in the back with the intent of starting to interrogate Frank but with the British medic on board extreme rendition would have to wait. Chuck's phone began to ring as he checked his altimeter it was Ellie calling. He put the phone on speaker then sat it next to him so he wouldn't get too distracted.
"Ellie, I thought you promised you were going to have Sarah call me. That was hours ago. Is everything okay?" Then he heard Sarah's voice.
"Chuck, sweetie is that you?" Chuck teared up and felt a lump in his throat. He was so happy to hear her. "Chuck, can you hear me?"
"Yes, I can hear you. Everything is fine here. The mission was a total success and all the objects were obtained. We even have a bonus gift. Casey's gotten his wish and Christmas came early."
"Tell him not to ding it up too much there are other people who'll want to play with it," said Sarah. "I'm sorry I didn't stay but my gut told me we weren't safe."
"I heard what happened and I'll handle it," said Chuck. She recognized that tone in his voice. It was what she called Carmichael mode.
"Chuck, don't get yourself in trouble and if the truth were known I probably do deserve this suspension. I wasn't thinking like a spy when I... well did what I'm accused of. I was thinking like your wife but you know what, I'd do it again. Chuck, I love you and let me say it again because it felt so good to say. I love you Chuck."
"I love you too. I'm being forced to night over in Costa Gravas then we're going leave from there early a.m. and I should be to you late tomorrow night. You sound tired you should get some sleep."
"I feel better now that I've talked to you."
"And you people who accuse me of wanting to talk about everything. Sometimes it's nice to talk things out."
"Or just hear your voice."
"Or just hear your voice. I've got to go I've got the Tower Control at Costa Gravas in my ear trying to give me landing instructions. I love you."
"Not as much as I love you," said Sarah before she hung up.
"Yuck, I think I'm going to get sick," said Casey as he took his seat. "Here all I found was instant so it will have to do."
"It's okay we'll be down soon anyway. You should call the Gunny and arrange for transport for our prisoners to his detention cells. We can't leave them on the plane over night. I think we ought to get rooms in the Waldron, I don't want to spend any more time in the Embassy than is necessary."
"I think that would be best for everyone concerned. You don't need to run into the Ambassador. I'll handle the transport if you want to take off and secure lodging. You can take Mary and the General..."
"The General will come with you. I've got some phone calls to make and a word I want to have with the Ambassador.
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The Ilyushin Il-62 landed in Midway Airport. They thanked the flight crew then deplaned and headed into the air terminal. It was late so they called a cab that ran them home. At home Ellie left Devon with the girls so she could take Sarah to the hospital.
"Hun you should let me run her to the hospital. The guys in ER know me," said Devon. Protesting being left at home when he knew he could get the blood work done.
"I know them too but you could call ahead so they know what we want before we get there. You can also call for pizza delivery. The number is next to the phone if they're still open at this hour."
"Devon, if they are remember to order one vegetarian no olives for me please," said Sarah. She walked over and kissed Sam. "I promise I'll be right back. Stay with Devon and behave. If you want to go to sleep go ahead I can change you when I come home."
"I can change myself," said Sam in her firm little voice. "But I want to wait for you. Can I sleep with you tonight?"
"Of course you can," said Sarah as she hugged her. She noticed Clara giving her a look. "Clara you can sleep with us too and we can call it a pajama party just us girls."
"I kind of doubt if they're still delivering at this hour… I know I can make pasta Alfredo. It's fast and easy something I can handle. I can feed these two then shuffle them off to Buffalo before you two get back."
"Shuffle who, where?" asked Sam looking perplexed.
"Don't worry," said Clara. "That's grown up talk for getting rid of us so they can talk. But remember you promised to sleep with us."
"I know I did," said Sarah as she kissed Clara on the forehead then Sam. "We've got to shuffle off to Buffalo now but we'll be right back."
"Come on we need to go before they decided I need to join in this slumber party too," said Ellie as she grabbed her car keys.
"I'm actually nervous," said Sarah as she got in Ellie's car. "Well this is the moment of truth. I guess I don't need to tell you that your neighbor's kitchen light is on."
"I'd be more concerned if it wasn't," said Ellie as she backed out. "Just relax and take it easy. This is the easy part; all they have to do is draw a little blood." Sarah wanted to tell Ellie that was easy for her to say but she just sat back and looked out the window.
"What would you have done if you hadn't become a doctor?" asked Sarah talking to the reflection of Ellie in the glass.
"I don't know. I've always known this was what I wanted to be even when I was a little girl so I've never thought about being anything else."
"When I was little all I wanted to do was to go on adventures with my father until I figured out what that really meant. Then I thought I'd… well they say that orange is the new black. I met a guy who saw I had talent so instead of an orange jump suit I got a black tailleur."
"What are you trying to say," asked Ellie as she glanced over at Sarah. "Are you questioning what you're doing? Children can do that to you."
"No, I'm just rambling on. Chuck must be rubbing off on me," she said as they both laughed. "But in a good way. Ellie, I've never met anyone like Chuck before and I love him… I love him more than life itself."
"And I know he feels the same," said Ellie as they pulled into the hospital parking lot. Everything was dark out and the busy medical center seemed sound asleep when they walked into the ER.
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The General and Casey took the prisoners to the Embassy with Gunny and a detail he put together from his security group. Once in the Embassy they locked them away with Mike and his men for transfer to a dark site the following day. On the way out Casey saw Sarah's badge and I.D. so he grabbed them up as the General made a secure call back to Langley waking the Major up.
"I'm reinstating Agent Carmichael personally," said the General. "If anyone has anything to say about that they can talk to me. We also need to talk about what a briefing is. If it weren't for the fact that I'd have to break in a new aide you'd be on that search detail like Chuck proposed and I haven't ruled it out yet. We're flying into Chicago tomorrow evening I expect a car and driver waiting."
"What time are you arriving? If you give it to me I'll make sure someone is there," said the Major as he took pen and paper to write down her flight plan.
"What did I just say? I expect a car and driver waiting for us at the airport. I'm going to have to find Agent Carmichael to do something I rarely do and all because of you. Did you talk to the Ambassador here in Costa Gravas? I can't find him anywhere. He seems to be out but no one knows where he is."
"No ma'am and I tried all day."
"After I get done apologizing to Agent Carmichael I want to talk to the Secretary of State. Costa Gravas needs a new Ambassador and this one needs to be recalled. Beckman out." With that they left the Embassy and headed for the hotel.
A little while later the Ambassador emerged from his apartment then went down below. He started towards the vault when he bumped into the Gunny.
"There you are Sir," said the Gunny. "You just missed General Beckman and the Colonel. They were looking for you. We called up to your suite but you didn't answer and the door was locked."
"I was indisposed working on some trade items I want to go over with the Premier," said the Ambassador. "So where are they staying? I thought they'd be staying here or with that other Agent in the Waldon."
"They are staying in the Waldon but that other Agent as you called her left this evening on a flight arranged for her by the Premier."
"Left but I thought she and her party moved into the Waldon? I mean it was late to fly out and her people were… well I don't know what I was thinking."
"Well you'd better come up with something. That General isn't happy with you. I don't know why I'm telling you this but she's going to talk to the Secretary of State personally about removing you so I guess you will be leaving before me. If you'll excuse me I need to go check on my watch standers."
He stood there and watched the Gunny walk away turning over in his head what he was going to do now. The plan was to kill everyone in holding then put the blame on Sarah labeling her as rogue but that wouldn't work with her in Chicago. No he needed another plan then he got it.
"Okay you can do this," said the Ambassador. He wished he'd brought something to calm his nerves but this had to be done. He went into the vault then back into detention. He opened the cell where the wet team and men off the plane were being held. He shot every one of them with Sarah's weapon then he went over to where Mike and Frank were held.
"I'm here to get you guys out," said the Ambassador as he opened the door. "Frank? Is that your name? I was told to take special care of you."
"I thought they'd want to get rid of me," said Frank. Thinking he was being saved but as soon as he passed the Ambassador he pointed the Smith and Wesson at the back of Frank's head and fired. "I said they told me to take special care of you."
"What about me? Do you have special orders for me too?" said Mike as he cowered in the back looking down at Frank then at the Ambassador.
"What? Come on we need to go. Here take this," said the Ambassador as he handed Mike Sarah's weapon. "Put it up against my head then let's walk out of here."
"Sure I get it, I killed all these people and now you're my hostage. Okay, let's start moving," said Mike as he shoved the Ambassador. "But first I'll take this." He reached under the Ambassador's jacket and took a Walther PKK from his belt.
"No I need that," said the Ambassador but Mike pushed him again.
"I'm sure you do like you're keeping the loaded pistol and handing me the empty one then once we're out that door you scream for help, turn and shoot me. Self-defense and all the loose ends are tied up. But I've done this dance before on the other end."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Then I'm going to owe you an apology," said Mike as he pointed Sarah's Smith and Wesson at the Ambassador's head and pulled the trigger. The hammer dry fired - click. "We're taking the side entrance where I have a car stashed for this type of emergency. You scream and I blow your head off. I think yours is loaded so move it, let's go."
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Chuck secured two mini suites, one for the General and Mary the other for him and Casey. He handed Mary her key card so she could get cleaned up and try some room service while he decided to make a pass in the casino and have a night cap. He just didn't feel like getting into a bed by himself so he went to the bar and got a drink. Sitting there he noticed a loud mouth customer fleecing a group of people at poker.
"Looks like you gentlemen don't have anything else to lose. Let's say we play another hand and if I win you send your wives up to visit me."
"Antonio is it? You know you ought to give them their money back," said Chuck. "I mean you won it by cheating."
"What? Who are you? Do you know who I am?" said Antonio as two of the man's muscle took a step towards them.
"Well I think that makes us even. You don't know me and I don't know you. I've got a deal for you. You and I play one hand and if I win you give these men their money back…"
"And when you lose what do I get?" said Antonio as he smiled with tobacco stained teeth and a knife scar over one side of his face.
"I'll pay you triple what's on the table. You know I met another man who looked a little like you with a knife scar across his face."
"Luis, my brother, you wouldn't know what happened to him," asked Antonio as handed him the deck. "He went missing during the coup."
"That's because I killed him," said Chuck as he dealt. Everyone around the table cleared out just Antonio and his muscle were left. "I know it's late but did everyone suddenly get tired."
"So you're telling me you killed Luis. I think you're lying. Luis would've eaten you up for his supper," said the man laughing as he cut the deck.
"Maybe but when the C-4 went off in his pants there wasn't much left of him," said Chuck as he dealt each other their hand. Chuck kept his cards one on top of the other without looking at them. Antonio smiled at him from across the table and threw away two then took two.
"Aren't you going to look at your hand?" But Chuck just shook his head and signaled he'd stand. There was a moan from the crowd when Antonio dropped four of a kind. "I hope you've got cash because I don't take checks." Chuck turned over his hand, a royal flush.
"I think this means I win. Now give these people back their money and before you accuse me of cheating," said Chuck. He began reading card after card from the deck flicking them at Antonio. "You need to mark your cards better."
"We can settle this here or outside, the choice is yours," said Antonio. He nodded to his two men to move in.
"Okay there's no need in anyone getting hurt in here let's take this outside and settle this like gentlemen." They walked outside, Chuck first with Antonio followed by his two gorillas. "I guess this isn't going to be just you and me, is it?"
"Grab him. I'm going to teach you not to meddle," said Antonio. His two gorillas grabbed Chuck on each side. Chuck flashed.
Chuck stomped the foot of the one man to his right then he side snap kicked the one on his left buckling and dislocating his knee. Breaking his right arm free he threw back an elbow strike to the man bending down holding his foot then punched the other man with the same motion in the throat. He went down gasping for air.
"Thank you, I feel better," said Chuck as Antonio grabbed him by the throat in a choke hold but Chuck punched up under the arms hitting just behind the elbow at a nerve point that deaden both Antonio's arms. Chuck finished him off with a spinning heel kick. There was a loud crack, the sound of Antonio's jaw breaking.
"What's going on here," yelled Casey as he ran up with the General behind. The one gorillas of Antonio's were starting to get up so John punched him out. "Bartowski, I can't leave you alone five minutes without you getting in trouble."
"Chuck, you'd better have a good excuse," said Beckman but just then Chuck flashed. He saw Mike with the Ambassador drive by.
"Mike's escaped," yelled Chuck as he dug an earbud out of his pocket then took a knife off of Antonio. He jammed it in the ignition of a parked bike then took off in pursuit.