Chuck vs. The Proposal

To recap the previous chapter: Chuck and Sarah are having an Iron Man 2 moment as they along with Travis and Alex are about to drop out and skydive their way down to the intended location. Casey, on the other hand, was able to make it to the ground but with a bit of trouble. In Casey's own words it was a doable situation. Afterwards, the proud marine with a score to settle is able to make to the facility but not before taking on the copter pilot. With the duffel bag he was able to locate, he makes his preparations and heads into the facility. So what's in store for this chapter? So, how does a flash mob relate to the story? Also what happened with Chuck and Morgan on a certain incident at The Grove pertaining to a May The 4th Be With You celebration? In addition, what 2 movies does Morgan correlate his negotiation skill when it comes to potentially being all in with Packard's offer 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.

The High Ground

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Chuck unstraps himself from his chute after making a tricky albeit safe landing due to the tail winds of the back end of the heavy sandstorm. True, it's fairly light but with the winds kicking up the sand, it makes it difficult to keep focus on what's in front of you. Afterwards, he takes a knee then turns his attention towards the sky then reaches up placing two fingers against his right ear.

"Solo is on the ground." After saying that, he does a quick visual survey of his surrounding while putting on protective goggles. Although they are located behind the sandstorm, there's still a considerable threat to be within close proximity of it whereby suffering an injury one's eyesight can still be risky. Once he feels that the area he's dropped in on is secure, he continues on. "It looks all clear. How are things looking on your end? Obi Wan? Amidala? Leia?"

"I have the high ground."

"Really…" A female voice sounded off. "…Revenge of the Sith reference right now? If I had the ability to turn around and smack you upside the head I would."

"Chewy would have done the exact same thing given the chance Amidala. You know he would."

There is complete silence after that. A faint smirk is expressed on Chuck's face after hearing via his earpiece the discussion between Alex and Travis. He's knows full well that his hetero life partner one Morgan Grimes would most certainly not miss an opportunity to reference Star Wars quotes in any situation pertaining to life. Whether it's simply on an escalator, on the 2nd floor looking down at his lanky best friend, or wherever occasion arises he'll take full advantage to just bust out one of the most quoted movie lines in Star Wars history.

Of course, it's impossible to quote the lines and not do a physical reenactment without the high flying flips and all that. Oftentimes, it would be done out in the public much to the embarrassment of their significant others who would suddenly disappear out of sight to avoid being seen or far worse recorded to end up loaded on Youtube to where it goes viral. Fortunately, it's only happened once or twice and judging from the responses in the comment section they've been relatively kind to absolutely brutal in a troll like way.

Essentially, he along with Morgan have promised to not ever do it again in their significant other's presence, especially if they're out in public together. He vividly recalls the May The 4th Be With You incident of 2008 at The Grove. He and Morgan secretly took part in a Star Wars flash mob extravaganza recreating memorable scenes from any of the 6 movies. The next thing he knows things went horribly wrong as Morgan as hanging upside down and crashed into a float that was made up to look like Jabba the Hutt's barge after attempting to heroically swing out like Luke Skywalker with "Leia" dressed in the gold bikini.

Needless to say, he was Leia dressed in the gold bikini and was supposedly safely harnessed because the reality of Morgan being able to carry his weight is utterly laughable. From what he recalls, instead of being saved by a bearded Luke Skywalker he accidently let go and this caused a domino effect where he crashed into the Cantina Band because the left side of his harness suddenly snapped to where his forward momentum sent him spinning straight towards the unfortunate souls playing instruments right in front of the fountain.

It's considered an event in their lives they'll never speak of again but Sarah and Ellie will always bring it up as a "teaching tool" as a way to make them learn not to ever go with any idea that involves taking part in a flash mob. Plus, the how and why he ended up being Leia dressed in the golden bikini is a long story that he would rather not think about and mentally relive ever again. At the time, he thought it was a good idea. Boy was I wrong.

In any case, when it comes to the final battle between Master and Apprentice its considered to be the ultimate culmination of the pent up and not to mention ever growing hostility towards Obi Wan Kenobi towards his the man who took him under his wing as a padawan learner at the request of the late Jedi Master Qui Gonn Jinn. Hell, he nearly came close to quickly firing back Anakin's line about underestimating his powers. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned as he would end up getting his left arm along with both legs sliced off at the hands of Obi Wan's lightsaber. It would lead to him to his transformation from man to machine.

Hey, it's the nerd in him after all he thinks to himself. Fortunately, he fought the urge to do so and focused on the importance of the current task at hand. He shakes his head then gives his response. "How long have you've been waiting to say that Obi Wan?"

"You have no idea Solo." he answered. After a brief silence, Chuck hears his voice once again. "Solo.

"Yeah?"

"You might want to take a few steps to your left. I'm coming in hot!"

Chuck from out of his peripheral vision to his right suddenly notices the figure of presumably Travis and Alex coming towards his location or should I say the landing zone. He immediately backs up taking a few crouching steps to his left and while doing so listens to Travis giving Alex some instructions.

"Okay Amidala…" instructed Travis. "…on the count of 3 I want you to lift your legs together and stick them straight out. As if you're lounging on your couch at home."

"Got it. What next?"

"Lean back and I'll guide us into a smooth landing…" he answered back.. "…I hope."

"You hope!?"

"No time to think about that now. In 3…2…1. Lift and lean!" bellowed Travis.

At the same time that's being said, Chuck witnesses Travis and Alex coming and sliding their way on the surface of the sand then make a sudden stop. A very much relieved Alex is leaning back against former Zeitgeist team member expressing a smile of absolute relief that they were able to make it safely down without any complications whatsoever. It's not long before Chuck is kneeling right beside her and assists in unstrapping her from the young woman's tandem skydiving partner. After helping her up and motioning her to put on her goggles for safety reasons, she once again hears Travis in her ear.

"See, I told you it was going to be a smooth landing."

Alex is about to lean over to Gibbs slap the back of Travis' head, her along with Chuck and her tandem skydiving partner suddenly hear Sarah's voice in their ears.

"Nice landing."

In that instance, all 3 individuals suddenly notice Sarah appearing and makes an unbelievable entrance. An entrance in which she is about 10 feet away and at least 15 feet in the air. It's not long before she releases her grip on the chords that are directing her decent and reach for the 2 straps that attach the chute to the pack. In doing so, she's released and drops with all her forward momentum to where she ends up her old spy training kicks in and combat rolls to stop. She ends up stopping a little bit past the sandy drop zone where her teammates are standing.

"Show off." Travis joking remarked.

"Awesome super hero landing babe…" Chuck quickly corrects himself. "…I mean Leia. In the style of Agent Natasha Romanov no less." he added.

"The Black Widow. I can see it."

Sarah stands up and dust herself off. While doing so, she makes her way towards her teammates. "Thank Solo. It's been a while since I've done that."

"That was amazing. It looks like you haven't lost a step." Alex stated.

"I could have stuck the landing better." Sarah retorted. Disappointment expressed in her voice. The sound of disappointment in her voice quickly fade and is soon replaced with sound of intense focus. "If we're all set. Let's move out. The GPS tracker on the weapons…" she began raising her left forearm. Attached to her aforementioned left forearm is the GPS locator, which Chuck and Travis have as well. "…reads that it landed a bit northwest of where Morgan location is."

Instantly, Travis chimes in. "I'll go and find the weapons. You, Chuck and Alex head to Morgan's location. I'll catch up with guys there."

"Stay safe and don't get lost." responded Chuck.

"Watch yourself." stated Sarah.

"Be careful." Insisted Alex.

Although the conditions are light, its difficult for the 4 individuals to get a good visual of each other. Yet, they make do as Travis gives his response. "Will do. You all do the same as well."

It's not long before Chuck, Sarah, Alex and Travis head in the same direction but the former protégé of Tobias Carter inevitably splits off from the group. All 4 determined to help and not to mention save not just 1 but 2 of their own who most definitely find themselves in great danger.

XXX

Casey cautiously creeps down the recently lighted up tunnel. He's locked and loaded with the Heckler and Koch HK416 focusing his aim in front of him. A heightened state of awareness and not to mention alertness as he intently scans his surrounding. Although it's illuminating the area he's in, the sporadic on and off flickering is possibly due to the length of inactivity since the last time he was here. It's fortunate for him as it for the most part helps conceal him in the shadows. In any case, he knows he shouldn't underestimate his former teammates because even though he chose them their respective skills they have the mental tenacity if combined together to get the absolute advantage over him. In his mind, it's by taking that into account he's not getting ahead of himself as he's compartmentalizing each situation one at a time.

The situation he's dealing with now is keenly and carefully scanning the ground along with tunnel itself. The reason being is that if he knows his former teammates, they wouldn't making getting to their location extremely easy for him. Its just not their style he thinks to himself. True, they want him to suffer and not entirely be 100% before the final face off between them, which isn't it. Truth be told, the swan dive that he unfortunately took after being blind sided by T.I. back at the campground took a lot out of him. Once he partially recovered from it, he immediately headed off to his plan B knowing that it would be a considerably painful trek towards his intended location. Thankfully, he didn't have to further deplete what was left of his energy due the generosity of a retired military vet who picked him up and driving him to where he needed to be.

The grizzled NSA Agent refocuses his thought back to his former teammates. Of the 3, Packard is considered to be the brains who is without a doubt calling the shots and wouldn't be surprised if he's been calling the shots after busting out of where they've locked up for so many years. What he knows of Packard is that he doesn't forget and when it came to his bluff trap back at the campground he wouldn't put it past him to set up a trap that would certainly send a message that they aren't playing around. As the lights continue to sporadically flicker, he continues carefully moving forward with the Heckler and Koch HK416 at the ready for anything to go down.

It's not long before Casey suddenly stops. The reason he stops is what's not only in his sight line mere inches from his eyes. A strand of wire that is most definitely connected to 1 or 2 explosives. He slowly backs up and begins scanning the area he was about to pass. He then directs his attention to the ground inevitably kneeling and focusing on a strand of wire that is ankle height attached from one side of the tunnel to the other. For the experience military vet its a tactic that has been used before in order to surprise, severely injure, or kill an unsuspecting target. What he also knows is that if there's 1 set of explosives there are probably more.

A smirk gradually appears in the corner of his mouth. Afterwards, he frees his left hand tightly gripping the lock and loaded weapon then takes out clippers from the right pocket of his tactical vest. He then takes a moment to do a quick assessment of what's he's dealing with below and above him. Once he's finished, he carefully inches forward making sure not to have the end of weapon accidentally set off the wire causing himself to be blown up thus failing his mission. After taking a deep breath, he reaches out with clipper in hand and cuts it making sure not to make any noise whatsoever. It's a success but's not over by a long shot as he has to deal with the wire above him, which he is able to cut as well.

Once the two wires are cut he makes sure to scan the area again before stepping through it knowing that he'll be potentially dealing with more ahead. However, before he continues forward Casey looks for the aforementioned explosives that were meant to welcome him back to where it began. It's doesn't take long for him to spot the area where they were placed and in that moment makes a decision regarding what or how it can be used to his advantage. For now, he has to his advantage of the high ground because of Morgan being held as a hostage. In any case, when said explosives have been retrieved and securely put away on his person he moves forward ready to deal with the next set of explosives until they're all dismantled. It all depends on how many they are and how vindictive Packard truly is. I'll know soon enough.

XXX

"So you're in?" questioned Packard.

For the past 10 minutes and before Casey approached then entered the entrance of the facility, Packard and Morgan had a lengthy discussion about being part of his team. A team that would soon be substantially wealthy once they get past the large metal door holding the all the gold bars behind it that's been sitting there for so many years. Packard stood there and at one point had to sit down after listening to Morgan say that although he's in there were would certainly be a few condition or caveats by agreeing to be all in after being offered a spot in the group. Of course, it would merely be a way for Morgan to continually string the weapons expert along for his own benefit unbeknownst to him in order to control the course of the challenge instead of the other way around.

"Like I said..." nodded Morgan. "...I'm in IF I at least get 5% of the what you've referred to as your retirement plan. Also, our other two partners have to be fine with it. Mackintosh seems like the understanding type. T.I. may need a little convincing from you."

"Don't worry. I can handle T.I." the team leader responded. He continues on. "Another condition and let me get this straight because it sounds a bit strange to me..." Packard pauses a moment to wrap his brain around it. "...grape soda, sizzling shrimp, and string cheese must be provided as additional compensation?"

"That's right. However, I can also accept 2 out of 3 since sizzling shrimp is take out and primarily comes from this awesome Chinese restaurant back in L.A. Since, I presume we'll be traveling around the globe so grape soda and string cheese would suffice." he stated with a tone of confidence in his voice.

For Morgan, he's watched enough movies like The Godfather where the character Don Corleone played brilliantly by Marlon Brando quoted the most famous line of all movie line history he thinks to himself. I'll make him an offer he can't refuse. In his mind, when Johnny Fontane get's cut from a movie roll, the family consigliore Tom Hagan attempts to negotiate with the man in charge offering up a fair trade. In other words, taking the high ground instead of immediately utilizing the usual tactics that would more or less get messy. Of course promises are made to make the studio head's trouble disappear but the offer is refused with a anti-Italian slur added in. That's when the now infamous and not to mention memorable seen of the horse's head covered in blood happens sending a clear message.

As Morgan stands there, he hopes he has sent a clear message to Packard knowing how his negotiating skills are far more polished and professional than they were in the past during his Buy More days. If he had to describe his negotiating skills back in the day it would be best described as Tommy Callahan-seque ala Chris Farley in the movie Tommy Movie. Of course, he recalls from the movie that early on in the movie Farley's character and his way of negotiating wasn't connecting and it wasn't until that he spoke to the waitress about getting some wings cooked up he was able to truly connect. A style of negotiation that David Spade's character clearly notices and brings up to Farley. In any case, his thoughts concerning the movies the Godfather and Tommy are set aside leading him to once again focus on the task at hand.

"Sounds reasonable enough I guess." Packard retorted shaking his head in somewhat disbelief.

Morgan once again nods his head then continues on. "And finally, if there's any hint of a double cross on the agreement..." The wry smile that was expressed by him would soon fall flat. Afterwards, he would reach up once life before placing his his right two fingers against his right temple. "...I would know." he added slightly turning his head. His right brow arching up for a bit of emphasis.

"Those are you terms."

"Do we have a deal?" inquired Morgan.

Packard is momentarily silent as he mulls over the conditions that come with Morgan accepting his offer in being part of the team. It doesn't take long for the team leader of the trio flashes his trademark smile and then gives his response. "Deal." he answered reaching out his right hand. "Seal the deal?"

"Sure." The former Buy More green shirt exchanges a smile back. His focus momentarily directed at the white piece of paper still sticking out from his vest.

The two men approach one another and shake hands solidifying the deal between the two of them. At the same time this happens, T.I. and Mackintosh emerge out of the tunnel witnessing the handshake between both men. They briefly look at each other then at Packard and Morgan. "What's going on here?" asked Mackintosh.

XXX

The heavy sandstorm that was battering the surrounding area of the facility where Casey, Morgan, Packard, T.I. and Mackintosh are presently inside, has considerably lightened. Lightened to the point where visibility is 95 percent clear but the winds still play a factor blowing sand in the air. Fortunately, it's a huge factor as Chuck, Sarah and Alex approach the entrance to said facility. One they do, it's Sarah who immediately noticing the black leather gloves laying on top of the electronics left there by Casey. It's that point, Chuck kneels down and removes the goggles worn to protect his eyes from the sandstorm. In doing so, he notices a slit of light from one of the devices covered in sand. He brushes of the sand and sees images of the security camera feed.

His eyes widen once he sees his best friend and one of the men he flashed that was picture that was posted on his FB page. "Morgan."

Sarah and Alex quickly kneel down beside him removing their goggles as well after hearing Morgan's name called by Chuck.

"Is he okay?" asked a concerned Alex.

"He looks fine and seems to be smiling?" Sarah stated.

Alex shakes her head in absolute bewilderment. "Why?"

"No idea. He would be doing the complete opposite knowing Morgan." retorted Chuck.

All three individuals stare into the small monitor and watch was is unfolding before them. They watch as 2 more individuals appear on screen inevitably standing in front of Morgan and the other individual. Although they can't hear what's going on inside, they can clearly see that there is a discussion going on between the 4 of them. As this happening, Alex's attention drifts down to her right where she notices an electrical panel cover half buried by the sandstorm. She reaches down, pulls it, and then wipes the surface of it instantly feeling something has been etched on it. This leads her to show it to Chuck and Sarah.

"Yeah..." nodded Sarah taking it. "...your dad left it for us."

"What does it say? Plus, how did he even know we were coming?" she wondered once again.

It's at that point Chuck chimes in. "Casey always knows. I stopped questioning it long ago." He then briefly pauses scanning the message etched on the panel box cover. After a few moments he speaks up. "When the time is right flip the switch and cut the lights. I'll do the rest."

"Is he crazy? What if he gets Morgan killed? Worse...himself killed." stated with considerable concern and worry in her voice.

"That's not going to happen." insisted Sarah."To either of them. Not if we say anything about it."

"Sarah's right." Chuck takes a moment to scan over the electronic devices set up by Casey and the wiring that's attached as well. Afterwards, he briefly glances back at Alex and his wife. "Okay...Alex, when Trav gets here let him know to flip this switch." he said pointing directly at it. "Got it."

"Got it." he answered zeroing in on the said switch. "Wait, why me?"

"Judging by the discussion between those 4, it looks like it may blow up soon." he retorted.

All 3 individuals turn back down to the security image feed on monitor watching the situation becoming a little but more animated. All of a sudden, the two other men that appeared on screen spin around and then start backing up with their hands raised along with Packard. Morgan just stands there but doesn't raise his hands. Chuck, Sarah, and Alex witness Casey appearing on screen leading the only daughter of Colonel John Casey eyes to widen.

"Dad."

In that instance, Chuck and Sarah immediately stand up. "We're going in. We can't wait for the other weapons to arrive. Alex stay here and wait for Travis."

"I'm coming with you."

"No." insisted Sarah locking eyes with Alex. "You're much safer out here. Trust me on this. Please."

"Plus, you have an important job to do remember. The switch. We're counting on you."

As much as Alex wants to go in there and help save the two most important men in her life, she begrudgingly complies with her friends/teammates request. After giving both of them a silent nod of compliance, she watches as Chuck retrieves a weapon from behind him. From what Morgan has told her that he's always used a tranq gun instead a gun to take down bad guys. In other words, taking the MacGyver moral high road according to her loving bearded partner in crime. Yet, he did share with him that he did use a gun one time to shoot Daniel Show dead and it was for a very good reason. To save his wife and to put an end to Shaw's despicably, heinous actions. Speak of Sarah, she witnesses her check the two handguns that were secured behind her and then give a firm nod towards her nerdy husband. It's not long before the former spy couple briefly turn to Alex giving a quick nod before heading inside. Once they disappear out of sight, Alex stares at the open entrance for a moment then quickly turns around and kneel in front of the small monitor showing the security feed image. A look of continued concern and worry on her face as she sees atmosphere within that room growing ever more intense.

XXX

NOTE: HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER! IT TOOK A WHILE BUT I WAS ABLE TO FINALLY FINISH! AS USUAL GIVE YOUR REVIEW AND SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS!