Chuck vs. The Proposal
Well, in the previous chapter Casey hitches a ride with a military vet free of charge to another campground 20 minutes away. If he had ran it would have taken hours and would waste time instead of gain any. Once there he's able to rent a broken down motor board in order to makes his way across the lake and towards a location that's he's apparently kept a watchful eye on. He eventually spots the intended location and inevitably comes face to face with the one person who will help him. Travis' associate Dalton. It's a hard hitting introduction to say the least. What happens now and what does Casey have in mind? Plus, Chuck along with Travis, Sarah and Alex arrive at the Hanger to board the Bird of Prey. Will they run into any complications? How is Top Gun involved and how does it relate to Roan Montgomery-General Beckman relationship? Read and find out! Anyways, hope you enjoy the read and leave a comment to share your own thoughts on this particular chapters. As always, reviews are awesome.
Again, if you enjoyed reading my stories and left a comment I truly appreciate it. Please continue to do so as it gives me the incentive to write more chapters.
I don't own Chuck
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Once Travis arrived Casa Bartowski, it didn't take long for a reformed Team Chuck to arrive at The Hanger with additional teammate along for the mission. It took a total of 20 minutes to get there and then hop aboard the Bird of Prey. After pulling up to the open hanger, all 4 individuals get out and make their way to the back of Chuck's vehicle in order to retrieve their go bags. It doesn't take long to retrieve them and as they heads towards the plane Alex suddenly stops and just stares at it.
For it's the same plane that she watched her bearded boyfriend entered and disappeared into months ago. The same plane in which Morgan couldn't stop talking about during his mission to save not only Chuck, but her father Casey as well. While standing there, she instantly reflects back on what she went through as she experienced a mixed bag of emotions knowing her father's life was in danger in Istanbul, Turkey.
However, it became even more emotional for her when she surprisingly learned that Morgan would be hand-picked by Sarah to be part of her team to on the rescue mission. As much as she wanted to object in being volunteered for it knowing it wasn't by his choice, she was fully aware it was something that hand to be done. Although she had her concerns about him going, she at least had the knowledge that Sarah would do her best to keep him along with Ellie safe. Plus, the fact that she had Bryce and Carina as her back up unbeknownst to her at the time.
She recalls being able to keep herself busy mentally and emotionally by helping Shannon who she knows was going through an emotional rollercoaster herself. An emotional rollercoaster where she kept close tabs on her mental and emotional state when it came to having her loyalties questioned between her blood family and the family that openly welcomed her into as Morgan now puts Inner Circle.
In hindsight it became a therapeutic distraction for her as she was able to keep tabs on Shannon while playfully interacting with her daughters and son. To be perfectly honest, she was initially hesitant in unofficially taking on the responsibility of helping the kids more so their mother in figuring out in a tactful way as to why there dad isn't around. True, even she still considered herself a kid she grew up in every sense of the word as it prepared for not only being a mom down the road, but also a wife who may potentially deal with the same situation but different circumstance as well.
Essentially, it's a thought that one point scared her early on in her and Morgan's fledging relations but not anymore. Granted, she was worried more than actually scared that her father would end up killing Morgan with what he would always refer to as his moronic and dumbass childish antics. Yet, it's his that would gradually fall by the wayside as he noticed a change in him that would be an unbelievable sight to see for everyone, especially for her father. Of course, the childish antics would pop up from time to time and she wouldn't have it any other way because that's her roller coaster of life thus far.
Thinking about it further, her life has primarily become an emotional roller coaster after accidentally bumping into Morgan in front of the Star Bucks at The Grove. What her life consisted of before crossing paths with the man that would ultimately change it was a cycle of college classes, hanging with friends, and going to work at the Pie Shack in Silverlake. Granted, there were times when working there proved to be a matter quelling her inner Wonder Woman with guys who got considerably handsy.
Thankfully, her boss at the time was very understanding and gave her the leeway to express her displeasure when it involved invading her personal space. For her it was part of the job and she considered herself damn good at but her time there would eventually end inevitably moving on. What she has moved on to is following in her father's footsteps and although she's not actually pursuing law enforcement or joining the agency for that matter she is direction her attention to the field of criminal psychology.
In her mind, being the daughter of John Casey has its advantages as she was able to get an internship with a local agency shadowing a criminal psychologist who he owed a big favor to grizzled NSA Agent in the past. Plus, it helps to have General Diane Beckman in your corner as well she thinks to herself. The internship would inevitably lead to a job where she would be learning from experienced teachers that come in the form of current and retired profilers. Profilers whose main focus is to analyze the behavior, as well as action of the criminal or criminals in question.
She's proud of herself for sticking with it up to this point in her life knowing somewhere down the road it will most definitely help in locating a criminal anywhere in the world by simply getting into his or her mind. Speaking of minds, she would subsequently snapped out of hers after hearing a female voice causing her to be somewhat startled.
"You okay?" wondered Sarah standing in front of her. A look of concern expressed on her face. "Second thoughts on going? I…" She glances to either side of her where Chuck and Travis are standing. "…we understand if you can't go anything further." she added with a comforting nod.
Alex immediately shakes her head in acknowledgement to the once again reinstated Agent Sarah Walker. "It just hit me…" she answered. There is a momentary pause as she gazes into the hangar where the Bird Of Prey is sitting. "…what I'm about to. Where I'm about to go. Is that crazy?
"Not at all." responded Chuck expressing a reassuring smile. "I was the same way early on and to be honest it's still amazes on what I've done and where I've been. Honestly, it's a blur as it was happening because I was all locked in when it came to the situation and at hand. Pretty intense say the least. Granted, most of those situations and not to mentions places were not by choice." he added with a chuckle.
It's at that point, laughter is expressed by everyone else whereby breaking the tension filled atmosphere seemingly all around them. After what seems like a long deafening silent pause Travis speaks up.
"Just think of it as going on a free vacation." he stated shrugging his shoulders. In that instance, the newest member of Team Chuck quirks her right brow at Travis causing the former Zeitgeist soldier to respond. "What?"
After hearing that, Sarah rolls her eyes then simply reaches down with both hands and holds the young woman's hands. "Chuck's right and what Trav said is partially right too…"
"Thank you." interjected Travis.
Instantly, Sarah turns to her head to face Travis. "Can I finish?"
Travis immediately shuts up and takes a step back. While doing so, he notices Chuck nod his head towards him as if to nonverbally express say he did the right thing. In any case, his attention would be broken as he hears Sarah continue on.
"Anyways…" she said. "…once you get locked in it will all somehow go by fast and quick. Just remember that if shit hits the fan you duck for cover…" Sarah emphatically advised. "…for your own safety. Ok?"
"Yeah."
"Promise me." insisted Sarah. She takes that moment to squeeze Alex's hands then continues on. "I don't want to be worrying about you while we're handling business with Casey's former teammates. We have haven't faced them before so we don't know what we're up against." she explained.
It's at that point Chuck chimes in. "That hasn't stopped us before. However…" he pauses for a moment then speaks up again. "…Sarah's right. If bullets start flying find a safe place to hide. I know that's what I did early on."
"But you managed you to place yourself in danger anyway." interjected Travis once again.
This time its Chuck and Sarah who turn their heads to face Travis giving off a "you're not helping" look towards their teammate. This leads him to completely shutting up before it gets any worse for himself. At this points, Alex is standing there taking in all Sarah and Chuck's advice to heart. She gives off a nod then speaks up.
"I promise."
Upon saying that, someone approaches the 4 person team leading him to introduce himself. "Agent Bartowski and Agent Walker…" the individual announced. "…there is a bit of a situation with the plane." he added. Its news that causes great concerning among the members of the newly but temporary formed dynamic of Team Chuck.
XXX
Casey with headset on sits behind the stick of the cargo plane that he took possession of after coming face to face with Travis' old friend Dalton. A man who he only interacted just for a few moments after introducing himself when he heard the kind of business he's in. For him, he could have very well taken him into custody right then and there for his what he does but he knew that he would best utilized somewhere down the pipe. Fortunately, that somewhere down the pipe is now.
While sitting there, he takes a moment to makes some manual adjustments to the course heading, flips a few switches and then reaches up to press a couple of buttons. Afterwards, he focuses his attention straight forward and after a while he expressed a grunt of annoyed agitation. It's at that point, he turns to his head to the right.
"Do you have something to say?"
The question is being directed to person sitting shotgun right next to Casey…Dalton himself. A headset being worn as well. "You feel right at home there do ya?" he stated quirking his right brow towards him.
A faint smirk is given off after hearing that. "As matter of fact I am. Decorated pilot for the United States military." he proudly proclaimed.
"Well good for you." he answered back crossing his arms. "Do you want to a medal for that? Sorry, I don't think I can find space for all the medals you're humble bragging about." he added motion towards his chest in a mocking fashion. He shakes his head in disbelief as he momentarily looks up then straight ahead. "How did you even find me anyways? I was living off the grid man?"
"It's Colonel John Casey to you. I make it my business to keeping close tabs on people like you in your line of business. What you've been doing lately and who you've been associating with."
"As a citizen of these United States, that violates my rights and I could sue you for infringing on my rights Colonel John Casey." he responded mocking the grizzled veteran's military title and name. "Besides, I'm retired from the business."
"Keep telling yourself that." Casey scoffed.
"I am…" insisted Dalton. "…sure from time to time I make some business deals just to see if I still got it." He leans over a bit towards Casey. "I do." In that moment, he leans back then reaches up with hands placing them behind his head. "I'm set and living comfortably with my spread near the water. I consider that place my retirement home." he responded closing his eyes inevitably expressing a relaxed smile.
Unfortunately, Dalton's relaxed smile would soon fade once Casey continues on. "Hate to break it to you…" the proud marine growled. "…you may not live long enough to enjoy your retirement home."
Instantly, Dalton's eyes open after hearing those words being said by the man who took his cargo plane by force. In his mind, he was living the good life in the middle of nowhere enjoying his life in his retirement home and then all of sudden G.I. Joe shows up and ruins the whole mood of it all. The thought of it causes a build-up of mixed emotions within him to where he speaks up.
"Is that a threat?"
"It is what it is." grunted Casey.
"A man of few words I see. It suits you." Dalton replied. He notices that he's not getting any kind of response from him verbally. He does however hear what seems like the sound of faint growls. "You're one wound up individual."
"It's called discipline. You should get some. It will straighten you up."
Dalton waves off what Casey said. "Tried it. Hated it. Not my style." he responded. "I'm more of a free spirit who needs room to enjoy the freedom to do anything I want without having big brother constantly looking over my shoulder."
"In other words…" Casey growled out. "…you're a hippie neo liberal fascist anarchist."
"And proud of it." he firmly nodded. It's not long before he continues on. "For the life of me I can't think of why Travis wanted to be part of your team. He was doing perfectly fine with the Zeitgeist until you guys showed up."
"Riley made his decision. Respect the kid for it."
Upon hearing the word respect, it causes Dalton's eyes to widen, eyebrows to furrow and nostrils to flair. He then leans forward turning his full attention towards the man who took his plan without his permission. "Respect? You punch me in the face…" he said point to his bruised left cheek. "…spilled and wasted some perfectly good beer…" added an agitated Dalton. He reaches down grabbing a bottle from the box then pops it open. Afterwards he takes a pleasurable sip and then gently places it on the aforementioned bruised cheek. "…and don't forget stole my plane."
"Bruises heal and when it comes to the stuff you're drinking…" he said briefly peering down at the remaining bottles of beer in the box. "…I've had better. Plus, it's not considered stealing if you're willingly along for the ride."
For Dalton, he has never in his life met anyone in his life who makes the case for being an asshole, a dickhead and a dipshit all rolled into one. Yet, he now has and he's sitting right next to him he thinks to himself. In his mind, he thought dealing with Travis' former commanding officer Tobias was a treat since he considered him just an asshole, as well as a dickhead. Now, dealing with this guy's ever so cheerful demeanor clearly tops any and all notions that he's accumulated over the years involving grumpy old man.
Death would probably be scared of this guy if he ever got meet him and quite possibly has. It's that particular thought in which he shakes his head again knowing there are some many questions just jumbled up that are just brewing inside him right now that it's considerably difficult to pick just one. So instead, he focuses back on the response that the hulking individual have just moments ago.
"Semantics and the hell I am along for the ride. I'm just protecting my investment." Dalton retorted.
"Investment? Do you mean the plane…" replied Casey briefly glancing over his right shoulder. "…or the weapons?" he firmly added. His attention is then averted from who's sitting beside him to what's out in front of him."
XXX
"What's the situation..." Chuck pauses to read the name on the man's flight suit. However, before he could say it out loud the man in question speaks up.
"Lt. Commander Franklin sir. Your pilot." he announced.
"Please…" said Chuck holding up his right hand. "…call me Chuck."
Instantly, Alex's right brow quirks after the request. Her attention is averted to the man standing in front of them who shows a bit of uncertainty and hesitance on his part. Yet, he begrudgingly complies knowing it's not the usual protocol he's accustomed to.
"Well Chuck…" he said holding a clipboard in front of him with both hands. "…the situation is that because of the sudden urgency of your plane we weren't able to fully fix a number of problems from your last mission."
"Right." nodded Travis. "The mission 3 months ago to rescue Roan Montgomery in Marrakesh, Morocco. Yeah, went all Top Gun near the end there as I remember. Luckily, we all came back in one piece unlike Anthony Edward's character Goose. The Bird of Prey however…" he added wincing a bit. "…not so much."
"Yeah, but it seemed like Roan didn't mind being captured at all." Sarah chimed in.
"The disappointment on his face when we showed up spoke volumes. As I remember it, Beckman said he was there to seduce and capture counterfeiter Fatima Tazi who was known for leading a team of female mercenaries." recalled Chuck. "Plus, Beckman ordered us to go and you know the history between those two." he added with a sheepish grin.
As the seemingly causal conversation is going between her 3 friends/teammates continue on involving General Beckman and a man she has yet to or may never meet, Alex just stands there in somewhat stunned disbelief. She can't help but feel that the matter of importance has suddenly gone off track due to an apparent on and off again relationship that is totally breaking the focus evident by how Chuck, Sarah, and Travis are laughing right now.
For her, she doesn't find any of what's happening right now humorous and isn't laughing at all. Far from it. What is experiencing is a build-up of mixed emotions one of them being anger as she finds herself balling up her hands into a tight fist. As much as she's trying to compose herself, she's unable to keep herself in check leading to the young woman to verbally burst out her frustration for everyone to hear.
"Why are we just standing here!? We should be on that plane right now taking off! Instead, you're all just have a casual conversation about mission you had 3 months ago. Aren't you worried about Morgan!? My dad!?
Afterwards, Alex is somewhat out of breath after getting all of what she wanted to say off her chest. It didn't take long for her to suddenly realize what she just did as she expresses a bit of embarrassment on her part. Yet, she doesn't break eye contact because it's what the daughter of John Casey would do. In her mind, the daughter of John Casey would kick all their butts in gear in order to remind them that they're wasting time.
Essentially, time is something that need to utilize and not waste because the more time is wasted the greater the danger in not being able to save the 2 people she cares most about she thinks to herself. Her thoughts concerning the peril of the man she loves and her government agent father are subsequently broken by Sarah as she locks eyes with her.
"We are worried Alex. We know there's a lot riding on this. Truth be told, the conversation about Beckman and Roan's off and on again relationship actually helped break the tension we usually deal with on any mission we go on." she explained. "The fact you kicked us in the butt for what you see as stalling the mission shows you're just like your father."
"It does?" she answered with a small sense of confusion. For Alex, the anger that she was feeling moments leading up to her verbal outburst would gradually dissipate. She would thing find herself experience a sense of calm but at the same time nervousness as well.
Chuck nods in agreement with his blonde wife's assessment. "Yup. It may seem weird and unorthodox but this is how we operate."
"It why we're considered Beckman's go to team because we don't go by the book and we get results in our own way. By any means necessary." stated Travis flashing a smile towards her.
"Plus, I was taught to find the humor when you're suddenly faced with impending doom." Sarah faintly grinned.
The seriousness on Alex's face subsides and replaced with a softness to it. Afterwards, a soft smile is expressed to a woman who she considers to be a close friend. "Who taught you that? General Beckman? Your late boss Graham? Instructors at The Farm?" she wondered with curiosity.
"Nope…" She then points to the man standing to her right. "…him."
"Chuck?"
"Surprised?" chuckled the former nerd herd leader.
"Not really. Dad sometimes compares you to a fortune cookie." Upon saying that, there is a brief sense of bewildered confusion expressed on the 3 faces standing in front of her. This leads her to continue on to explain the comparison. "Fortune of valuable knowledge…"
"Not so bad." stated Travis.
"Wait for it." Chuck retorted.
"…wrapped inside a soft, emotionally moronic shell. His words not mine." Alex explained further holding up both hands.
"That's Casey for you." Travis responded with amusement.
"Anyways…" chimed in Sarah clapping her hands together. "…now that the tension has been lift let's say we board The Bird of Prey shall we." She then turns around giving her full attention to Franklin. "Lt. Commander Franklin."
"Yes ma'am."
"Just give me what we can and can't use."
"Yes ma'am." Complied Franklin quickly scanning over the clipboard in his hands. "Weapons are good. Structural integrity of the plane is good despite a number of minimal exterior damage. All electronic function in working order. That's the good news."
"What's the bad news?" Alex inquired with concern.
"The landing gear is a bit shotty and anything Mach 1 or beyond is a no go." he answered firmly.
There is momentarily silence amongst the 4 individuals standing in front of Lt. Commander Franklin. The silence would last long as Chuck speaks up. "Hey, we can work that."
"Even less than that." Travis added shrugging his shoulders.
"Thank you Lt. Commander. Prep the plane for take-off and we'll be wheels up in 10 minutes."
"Yes ma'am."
Before Franklin turns around and heads into the hanger, Sarah calls out to him. "Lt!"
"Ma'am!?
"Parachutes."
The word parachutes catches Chuck and Travis off guard but none more so than Alex. Her attention goes from Sarah to Franklin.
"Properly checked over and stored in the usual compartments. Ready for use. Trust me."
Sarah nods. "Thank you Lt."
Franklin nods again then turns around heading back into the hanger in order to prep the plan for take-off. In that instance, Sarah can feel the stares of 3 individuals but instead of acknowledging it she starts walking forward with go bag in hand. As she does, she speaks up. "I explain later on the plane. Come on."
Chuck, Travis and Alex just stand there looking forward. They then briefly turn their attention to each other rendered somewhat speechless. It's not long before the 3 individuals follow suit right behind Sarah as they making their way towards the plane with go bags in hand.
XXX
"How is the bargaining chip?" inquired Packard speaking in his headset.
T.I. with a headset on himself, reaches over with his right foot and pushes Morgan's unconscious body from its side to laying on his back. He along with Mackintosh stare down at their way to getting their retirement and express sly smirks leading T.I. respond.
"Still alive."
"I can feel it Pac. We're close to our big pay day that's rightfully ours." Mackintosh retorted with a glint in his eyes.
For Packard, he knows all their efforts and planning will soon be realized. He along with his cohorts have held tightly on to their grudge for so long that it has consumed them since the moment they were convicted then sent to prison. Yet, he knows they mustn't underestimate their former team leader because he still may have a few tricks up his sleeves that he hasn't shown. Ultimately, it's a game of chess in Packard's mind and every critical move he's closely kept tabs on has been achieved thus far so much so that declaring checkmate would most definitely be deemed a mistake he thinks to himself.
"Don't celebrate yet boys. We just need one more thing to fall into place."
"Casey. What if he's dead? I hit hard and that fall could have killed him."
"He's not dead. He'll show. Trust me…" insisted Packard. "…he has no choice but to." His thoughts concerning the his utmost confidence in Casey showing up is shifted towards their intended locations. He reaches up to switch contacts from his teammates to the pilot. "ETA to the target area!?"
"15 hours and give or take 5-10 minutes"
"Rest up boys. You're going to need your strength to lift all the gold in that vault."
After saying that, T.I. and Mackintosh get comfortable knowing it will be a while before they arrive at their intended destination in the Iranian desert. As for Packard, he takes first watch over the still unconscious body of the man they've captured to get their former leader to do their bidding. However, unbeknownst to them Morgan is low jacked thanks to his lanky best friend giving him his watch.
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